Replacing W2K server with W2008 Server 1

[coyote1]

Hello,

I currently have a W2K sp4 (Dell PE 2600)server supporting 25 users. It has been a solid and working well for 5 years now. We are looking at new software that requires Server 2003 or 2008. My way of thinking is to do a migration using new hardware (wish I could find a use for the old server). I also looked at the in-place upgrade but have to upgrade to 2003 first then to 2008. This to me not an option.
I have found lots of information on the migration procedure from W2K server to 2003 but nothing for migrating from Y2K server to W2008. Would someone please enlighten me.

Thanks for your time ,
Karl

 

[dberg35]

Well depending on your infrastructure you could use it as a document server, DHCP, DNS or print server. As for an upgrade of OS I would suggest getting new hardware with 2008 but if your only going to need 2003 the upgrade. My rule of thumb is if it isn't broke don't fix it.

 

[coyote1]

Yes I concure.

Update - I just found out one of the existing mission critical applications is not ready for Server 2008 until late next year. So I am now thinking of upgrading the hard drives and ram and doing a in-place upgrade to Server 2003. I still have to flush out rest of the existing apps requiremenst but it looks like it is leaning hard that way. I am considering using the Paragon server imaging software to help with the hard drive upgrade as well. For $299.00 it looks like it could save a few hours of time.

Thanks for your input,
Karl

 

[dberg35]

Is this the only server on your network and is it also an domain controller? If not than the upgrade should be straight forward but I suggest you make an exact image first in case you run into issues after the upgrade. You also mentioned adding memory but depending on what version of 2003 server you will be limited to 4 gigs if it is standard.

 

[coyote1]

Yes it is the only server and DC so it should be pretty straight foward and I need to consider the 4GB ram limit with 32-bit standard version. Good idea on imaging prior to the updgrade as a safety net. One more good reason for the imaging software.

Thanks

 

[dberg35]

One thing, if you think you will need more memory look at 64bit edition or Enterprise. I am currently 2 64bit servers for the memory and wouldn't change a thing. With the 64bit you can max out your server to its specs. Make sure your current software will run on it.

 

[coyote1]

Good point. Thanks