How to downgrade from W2003 to Windows 2000 Server?

[xtremist5150]

I just inherited somewhat of a mess from the old IT admin at my new job. They have 3 servers set up for our office: a database server with Small Business Server 2000, a web server with Windows 2000 Server and a file/print server with Windows 2003 Server on it. For obvious reasons, I'd like to upgrade the web server to 2003. But my boss won't spring the extra money for a new 2003 license so I would have to downgrade the file/print server from 2003 to 2000.

It should be easy enough, I figure, to upgrade the web server to 2003. I am wondering though, if it will be a huge pain to downgrade the file/print server from 2003 to 2000; I take it I would have to wipe the whole thing? All it's used for is for our printers (we have very few) and for fileshares, that's it. I also need to know if there's any other considerations I should take into account.

Advice?

 

[ewiley]

I'd suggest wiping and reinstalling windows. At the very least, you can test with a dual boot temporarily, but for best results, make backups and wipe the drive.

Make sure you make a backup of the fileshares, rather than just copy/paste them into a folder on another server. Backing them up keeps permissions intact, so you won't have to re-assign them.

Also, be sure the copy of Windows 2003 on the fileserver isn't an OEM license (that is, it came with the server when it was purchased from the vendor). If that's the case, I'm pretty sure it's against the license agreement to transfer it to another computer. (Yes, Microsoft is evil)

However, there is a Web Edition of Windows 2003, which is significantly cheaper, so that migh save you.

Hope this helps!

 

[upplepop]

I have a new question relating to this topic.

We purchased some Dell servers with Windows 2003 Server, and want to downgrade them to Windows 2000 Server. However, we need a Product Key in order to install Windows 2000. Since the key on our license is for 2003, how can we obtain a Windows 2000 Product Key.

(btw, I tried the 2003 key for the 2000 installation, and it didn't work)

 

[mlichstein]

You'll probably need to call Microsoft for that. But it's definitely possible. Here's a downgrade chart:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/howtobuy/licensing/downgrade.mspx

 

[pmf71]

Why didn't you just order the machines with win2k server?

I still have that option here in the netherlands....

Just a curious question...

 

[upplepop]

Call Microsoft, huh. So has anyone actually exercised their downgrade option?

The reason we ordered them with Win 2003 is so we will have the ability to upgrade them in the future without buying another license. (We're still waiting for our software vendor to make their software Win 2003 compatible).

 

[dearingkr]

Ok, so no one's asking the ovbious question, I will.

I'd like to upgrade the web server to 2003. But my boss won't spring the extra money for a new 2003 license so I would have to downgrade the file/print server from 2003 to 2000.

Why is it that you think you have to downgrade?
What's wrong with a mixed environment?
Am I missing something gere?

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