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bijecek

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Demote SBS 2003

I have a question about demoting SBS 2003 from existing domain. My situation is:
Server with SBS 2003 and another servers (2) with Windows Server 2003 as DC in the same domain. Now I want to buy new server with Windows Server 2008 R2 and install there Exchange 2010. I want the new server will be DC in this domain too.
Is possible demote the existing SBS 2003 from this domain. o.c. after all data and Exchange mailboxes migration into new server? My question is not about licenses, I will buy CALs for Win Server 2008 and Exchange 2010. But what happens with SBS domain after demoting SBS server (I now i must move GC and FSMO roles)? Is this domain "normal" domain without SBS limits, after demoting SBS?

Thanks
Bohdan
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Rob Williams
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bijecek

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Thank you very much.
Does it mean that the domain after migration won't have any SBS limits?
Does it mean that I do not need Transition pack for SBS?

Because Transition pack is not available now and I want hold the same domain after SBS demote.
>>"Does it mean that the domain after migration won't have any SBS limits?"
Correct.

>>"Does it mean that I do not need Transition pack for SBS?"
Correct. There is no current transition pack. There was one to go from SBS 2003 to Server 2003 std and Exchange 2003. Although it came with tools to help the migration the process was basically the same. The advantage of the transition pack is it gave you a substantial discount on converting your server and CAL licensing. So such offer is or will be available when moving to 2008.

The article I pointed to, which is the same author but different site as dariusg linked, will allow you to migrate from the SBS, maintaining the same domain, moving mailboxes, Active Director, DNS, and all other configurations. Once complete the limitations of SBS are removed and the SBS must be removed from the domain.
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Thanks bijecek. Good luck with your project.
Cheers!
--Rob