John Atkinson
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How to gracefully leave Windows Server 2008 32-bit behind
A client is running Windows Server 2008 R2 32-bit in her dentistry practice. I want to move her off 2008 before the end-of-support date, January 15, 2020, as simply as I can. I have to move to a 64-bit server, to allow us to install the latest dental practice management software she uses, Dentrix.
Is there any path forward that involves just upgrading in place, so I don't have to deal with the server settings and application installations? I'd rather not flatten this server, unless there's no other way. They don't use domain accounts -- I think they're using this for fairly simple file serving.
Please describe the path forward, whatever it is, in as much detail as I might need, to accomplish this. Thanks, Experts!
Is there any path forward that involves just upgrading in place, so I don't have to deal with the server settings and application installations? I'd rather not flatten this server, unless there's no other way. They don't use domain accounts -- I think they're using this for fairly simple file serving.
Please describe the path forward, whatever it is, in as much detail as I might need, to accomplish this. Thanks, Experts!
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As stated, there is no upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit. It's a fresh install, period.
There is conflicting information in the OP's original post, as there is no such thing as Windows 2008 R2 32 bit. All Windows 2008 R2 is 64 bit. Windows 2008 is available as 32 or 64 bit.
If OP means 2008 32 bit, there is zero upgrade path. New server build. Period.
A Windows 2008 R2 server can be upgraded.
If OP means 2008 32 bit, there is zero upgrade path. New server build. Period.
A Windows 2008 R2 server can be upgraded.
Just a guess but... Since OP then says "...I have to move to a 64-bit server", it may be safe to assume the current one is indeed 32 bit. ;)
put the existing server into a virtual machine or use the Server 2019 File Migration Service to migrate the data (not programs - requires reinstall)
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David Johnson, what is the rationale for putting the existing server into a virtual machine? What does that accomplish?
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Thank you, all, for your insight and knowledge.