SBS 2000 to Full Version of Windows 1

[paulw]

I've been looking and just can't find a good document or procedure to upgrade from Windows SBS2000 domain to a Windows 2003 Standard Edition Domain.

One interesting thing I have seen is that you can connect a second DC to the SBS server (using the Standard Edition of Win2000 Server) . I was wondering then if you took that server off the SBS Network, made it the GC server etc could you then use it as a basis for a Windows 2000/2003 AD domain?

 

[wdoellefeld]

Hi Paul,

Here is Microsoft's take on this and a solid plan.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555073

FRCP

http://www.frcp.net

 

[dkediger]

Keep in mind that the bundled SBS apps (Exchange/SQL) are not allowed to be installed on a non-SBS server. I don't believe their install apps will even run - I think there is a check for the SBS server components before the install will continue.

If you need to have these apps available and you are over the SBS user count (50 in SBS 2000), Microsoft sells a Transition Pack that converts all the SBS licenses to the equivalent "Standard" standalone licenses. Then you can order the install media separately.

 

[paulw]

Thanks for the input.

I understand the issues with the applications and that full versions of Exchange, SQL, Etc have to be installed. We are going to pilot the process. I guess that I know I can always build a new Domain, then use the various Microsoft migration tools, but the issue to get around is how to do some type of migration within a reasonable window, and ensure the business has access to the system resources.

I also know the SBS2000 transistion packs are no longer available and whatever process I use as far as possible I don't want to be modifying the existing SBS Server, I would like it sitting in the corner, unchanged, so I have a fall back position.