asked on

How to replace Windows 2003 SBS Server (Premium) with Windows 2008 R2 Standard and SQL Server 2008 R2

I need to replace a Windows 2003 SBS Premium Server with 60 licensed clients. The new server (on new hardware) should be a Windows 2008 R2 Server Standard, 60 CALS, and should also run SQL Server 2008 (R2), 60 CALs. No other software from the SBS 2003 Premium is needed or needs to be upgraded, only Windows Server with Active Directory and SQL server were utilized. I understand that there once was a transition pack that lets me convert the Premium server to a Standard server plus the products SQL Server, Exchange Server and ISA Server. However this product can no longer be purchased, and if I could purchase it, I obviously need 60 transition CALs and after migration I would end with a 2003 domain with 60 CALs and also would need to purchase 2008 R2 with 60 CALs and then SQL Server 2008 R2 with 60 CALs. Purchasing the transition pack plus 60 CALs seems rather expensive just for the migration.

How can I migrate the 2003 SBS Server to 2008 R2 standard ?

OTOH is it possible to backup Active directory and restore it to a 2008R2 system, or maybe backup Active Directory, restore it to 2003 Standard then migrate to 2008 R2 ?

Malajlo

Isn't possible to have additional DC in SBS 2k3 domain? This way you replicate AD to new DC, migrate necessary data, turn off SBS and sieze roles.

Check also this plan:
http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-11185-0.html?forumID=85&threadID=185823

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Krzysztof Pytko

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Krzysztof Pytko

I forgot to add that 2008 also needs DNS role. And after demotion of SBS you can raise your domain and forest level from 2003 to 2008.

PeterSausD

ASKER

I will have to try this in a few weeks. I hope this really works with 2003 SBS and the SBS server accepts the standard DC besides it.

Malajlo

Well, I'd rather just shutdown SBS and do a manual transfer of roles. What if something went wrong ;)
But on the other side - what can possibly go wrong...

Cliff Galiher

While points have already been awarded, since you showed concern, I can confirm that the accepted solution is the correct one. The transition pack was only necessary for someone intending to stay on 2003 but needed a path to remove the SBS-specific limitations. Since you are migrating to a new platform anyways, the transition pack is completely unnecessary. SBS will take the added domain controller just fine. You could even run them both for a time to make sure the transition is smooth.
Once the various domain roles are transferred (any of the FSMO roles), that is when SBS will be out of licensing compliance, however, and will need to be decommissioned soon after. I have performed several migrations just like this, so as I said in my initial sentence, I can confirm that the process works.
Good luck!
-Cliff

PeterSausD

ASKER

Cliff,

thanks for the confirmation. The proposed solution seems to be a good one and since I'm already experienced in 2003 to 2008 migrations I think I can handle this with the info provided by iSiek.

Peter