Hi Contrig,
I don't know if this is the easiest but it is definately the safest.
I normally user PowerQuest ServerMagic to copy my server to the new hardware and then do an In-Place upgrade. You install the new license during the upgrade.
Here are the benefits of ServerMagic.
1. As far as the new hardware, you only have to prep it. You do not have to install NetWare 4.2 before hand. You simply assemble the hardware and configure the Smart Array if applicable.
2. If the upgrade should fails miserably for some reason (theres no guaranty that it won't) you will have the old server still in tact.
3. It allows you to migrade all partitions. (First DOS then NetWare). If your volumes span across drives, you can migrate at a Volume level, SYS being first.
Lou