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Windows Server 2003 PC replacement assistance requested.

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by russ

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I am a newbie to the Windows Server environment. My client has order a replacement for their old Windows Server PC. What is the easiest way for me to move the system from the old PC to the New PC. The old PC is running Windows Server 2003 SP1. The new PC is empty of software. We do have a version of Windows 2003 R2 from MS. I hoping to get advice on how to do the move to the new hardware.
Thank you
Russ

10 replies

by russ

There are 32 PC-s attached through a Linksys-N wireless router. The Sever PC is hardwired to the router. Then the student PC-s are wirelessly attached.

by jondapicam

First, get the OS installed and updated. After that, install the applications needed for the students. Then hook it up to the router.

The next steps are to be done when the server is inactive.

After that, you do the data copies. This would include any files used by the students.

Once you have everything up to date on the new machine, note the IP settings for the old machine, especially if it is a static address. Rename the old machine (add old to the end or something like that so it's easy to roll back if you make a mistake). Name the new machine the same as the old machine. If it is a static address, input the address.

If you've made a mistake, reverse the process. This gives you the freedom to correct them.

by sgt_shultz

i do not believe you mentioned if this is a domain controller. or perhaps small business server. if this is not small business server and is a domain controller you may wish to set up the new server and use netdom to make it a domain controller. once it has replicated with the existing domain controller you can use netdom to 'demote it'

by cg it

I don't think you've provided enough information on how your server is setup to give a decent suggestion.

As St. Shultz asked, is this server a member of a domain?

what are the roles assigned to this server? if it simply a file server? if so then how are user accounts created an maintained? How do you handle CALs? 32 users requires 32 CALs. If these CALs are installed on the old box, you have to install them on the new box as well [note W2003 Server comes with 5 CALs only].

What backup and restore is used? This must also be moved to the new server.

you could opt to clone the server then update system drivers and device drivers, BUT, there are risks involved. SATA is one of them, SCSI is another.

by russ

Yes the Server has a domain
Yes the server has a static address
Outlook exchange is not on it
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Could I just get the old server running up to the Win. Server 2003 R2 level. Then do a complete backup. Install Win. Server 2003 R2 on the new PC. And then do a complete restore from the back-up. Then "plug and play" the new server?
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Thanks again for any input
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by jtakiwi

You could backup data (shares for instance) and restore to the new server, to maintain permissions for instance. General steps I would take: Just add the new server to the existing domain, configure a static Ip with the DNS settings aimed at the current dns server, promote it, install DNS locally, confirm replication w/ the existing domain controller, then demote the old server (this will transfer all of the FSMO roles to the new server. Confirm that the new one has the global catalog role (otherwise no one will be able to log on) and then move any data (shared folders, profiles, whatever) to the new server. If you are running DHCP off of the router or the old server, make sure you install ont he new one, or edit the setings on your router to reflect the new internal DNS server address. Ensure the DNS settings on your new server are correct (only itself listed as a DNS server in tcp/ip properties). M$ has good article on adding domain controllers to a domain, and every other subject covered.

by cg it

the MS Best Practice of retiring old DC servers from a domain environment.

If the server is strickly a generic file server and not a domain controller [or a DNS Server, DHCP server, as jtakiwi mentions you could backup and restore to the new server.

Ms Technet has lots of KB articles.

see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx

by gjanssen

What Product Key do I use on the second box? I only own one copy of Server 2003?

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