Suggestions for moving datastore?
I have a disk on a Windows Server 2003 virtual machine that is 500GB and is essentially just a drive that contains a folder that is a share (through the Windows 2003 file share role).
This folder is also mounted within vSphere (v 5.5, esxi hosts) as a Datastore for all the hosts.
Since I'm trying to retire the Windows 2003 servers, what's the best thing to do with this disk to maintain its accessibility for the select users that access its files?
I understand I will need to detach the disk from the Windows 2003 server (but keep it in the datastore). But should I then just simply attach the disk to, say, a Windows 2012 R2 server? Will it maintain its file-sharing permissions for the folder that's on it, or go wonky within Windows 2012 (be it with permissions or disk initialization, etc, since it's coming from Windows 2003).
This folder is also mounted within vSphere (v 5.5, esxi hosts) as a Datastore for all the hosts.
Since I'm trying to retire the Windows 2003 servers, what's the best thing to do with this disk to maintain its accessibility for the select users that access its files?
I understand I will need to detach the disk from the Windows 2003 server (but keep it in the datastore). But should I then just simply attach the disk to, say, a Windows 2012 R2 server? Will it maintain its file-sharing permissions for the folder that's on it, or go wonky within Windows 2012 (be it with permissions or disk initialization, etc, since it's coming from Windows 2003).
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ASKER
Actually got a follow-up question on same topic.
Could I just upgrade the 2003 server to 2008 R2? It'd keep the D-Drive intact with the files being shared? It is NTFS, and only sharing to one AD security group.
Could I just upgrade the 2003 server to 2008 R2? It'd keep the D-Drive intact with the files being shared? It is NTFS, and only sharing to one AD security group.
if its on the supported upgrade path - yes inplace upgrade can work.
No. Well MAYBE. 2008 R2 is a 64 bit only system. If your Windows install is 32 bit, then no. There is, has never been, and likely will never be, a supported upgrade path from ANY 32 bit system to a 64 bit system.
That said, if it is 64 bit I would still say DON'T DO IT, even if it's supported. ESPECIALLY on servers, it's far better (CLEANER, less risk of issues, strange and otherwise, creeping up) to do a clean install and migrate data.
That said, if it is 64 bit I would still say DON'T DO IT, even if it's supported. ESPECIALLY on servers, it's far better (CLEANER, less risk of issues, strange and otherwise, creeping up) to do a clean install and migrate data.
ASKER
yep, that was the case, lol -- 32 bit, couldn't upgrade.
grrrr.... Oh well, I'm fine that I acquired it. always up to the challenge.
The solution still stands but the predicament currently is sorting out my datastore issues. lol
grrrr.... Oh well, I'm fine that I acquired it. always up to the challenge.
The solution still stands but the predicament currently is sorting out my datastore issues. lol
ASKER