Upgrade 2003 Small Business Edition Server to 2008 or greater

I have a 2003 Small Business Edition server running with Exchange 2003 on it. I'm planning to move my email to a hosted provider in the next 2-3 weeks. Anyone have suggestions for upgrading my 2003 server (Active Directory) to newer version?
srileeAsked:
Who is Participating?
I wear a lot of hats...

"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.

Cris HannaCommented:
You'll want to have Exchange completely gone from the SBS server first, then just introduce a new server in with whatever OS you want.   Join to the domain.  Make it a DC, a DNS Server, Global Catalog Server and then move all your data to it.  Then transfer the FSMO roles to the new server, the DC PROMO the SBS box out of the domain and that's it
0

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Your issues matter to us.

Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.

Start your 7-day free trial
Lee W, MVPTechnology and Business Process AdvisorCommented:
How many users do you have?  (This can affect the recommendation).

Perform a migration since upgrades are not possible.

0. Perform a FULL BACKUP
1. Check the health of AD
2. Install a new server and join it to the domain
3. Promote it to a DC.
4. Check the health of AD
5. Transfer the FSMO roles.
6. Uninstall Exchange from SBS
7. Demote SBS server.
8. Remove SBS Server.

If you do not know how to do at least 75% of these without asking further questions, you would be wise to hire a professional with experience to do this for you and then you can manage it.
1
Sushil SonawaneCommented:
0
Lionel MMSmall Business IT ConsultantCommented:
I did this for several customers in the last year and found these links very helpful in doing so. The critical piece for SBS is to make sure Exchange is working to the new hosting option before proceeding, as already stated. http://blogs.technet.com/b/canitpro/archive/2013/05/05/step-by-step-adding-a-windows-server-2012-domain-controller-to-an-existing-windows-2003-network.aspx. Since SBS holds all the operations master roles, transfer the operations master roles to new domain controller before demoting it
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc781578%28v=ws.10%29.aspx

Ensure that another global catalog is available to users before demoting it. For information about configuring domain controllers to host the global catalog see this link https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc758330%28v=ws.10%29.aspx

and then finally demote the SBS when you are ready to remove it from the domain
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc740017%28v=ws.10%29.aspx
0
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
Windows Server 2008

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.

Question has a verified solution.

Are you are experiencing a similar issue? Get a personalized answer when you ask a related question.

Have a better answer? Share it in a comment.