Best way to upgrade server hardware and keep dns name

[simple99]

Hi,
I would like to upgrade one of our Window 2003 standalone servers with a new box. But keep the same name as the old server as alot of software on our client computers need to talk to the server.

What would be best way to do this:
Old server: serverA
new server: serverB

- Setup new server with a new IP and name 'ServerB' and install the OS and required software on it.
- Then shutdown new server
- Rename old server to ServerB and new IP.
- Bring new server online and rename it to ServerA with old IP.

Does this seem like the best way of doing this or could you recommend any thing better.
Thanks.

 

[Davetoo]

If it's not a DC, then what you're saying should work just fine. Just be sure the AD is clear of the old system before joining the new one.

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

There are no more PDC's! There are DC's with FSMO roles!

 

[simple99]

davetoo,
The servers are not DC's.

I was just wonder if I was doing this the right way or if there was any better way. But thanks for confirming the process for me.

cheers

 

[58sniper]

So your applications and workstations need to talk to the server via \\servername instead of through a mapped drive?

Yes, you can rename it after the old one is moved out of the way. You can also leave it with the new name and point DNS records at it with the old name.

Pat Richard MVP

 

[simple99]

Yes 58sniper, the workstatons point to the server applications via the name \\servname.

Thanks for the response.
regards