Upgrading SBS to Windows 2003 Standard

[kunz12]

Hello folks -

Can I install Windows 2003 Std. on top of SBS 2003 Premium?

Also, I have been told about the transition pack. From what I know, TP is
just a collection of CD's and CAL's and not really a executable that you run
to upgrade your SBS box. Is that correct?

Finally, can I add a Windows 2003 Std. Server as a DC in a SBS 2003 domain?
Any restrictions in doing so? In addition, the 75 user limit for SBS, is that just a recommendation from Microsoft or a licensing restriction?

All your answers would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[pagy]

Transition pack info

http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsServer2003/sbs/techinfo/planning/transition.mspx

Yes you can add a 2003 Std server to an SBS domain, it can be a DC but it can't hold any of the FSMO roles, they have to stay on the SBS box.

It's a restriction!!


Paul

MCSE 2003

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein

 

[ShackDaddy]

Transition pack IS an executable. Running the transition pack is a process that takes more than two hours, and when you are done, you have a Windows 2003 Standard server with SQL, ISA and Exchange on it, unless you choose options during the migration that allow you to install the Exchange and SQL roles on new servers.

The cost of the transition pack is only the difference between what you've already spent on SBS 2003 Premium and whatever you would have spent if you hadn't gone with SBS. So basically if you use the Transition Pack, you could save $1200 or something in that neighborhood, plus you preserve your AD.

After the Transition Pack has run, you still have all your SBS server functionality on the server, except that it's no longer supported by Microsoft. You still have RWW, OWA, Monitoring reports, etc. But you can't use the SBS Wizards or the SBS Setup program any more. Once some of those components break, you have to fix them using more enterprise server strategies.

If you you buy the Transition Pack, make SURE you buy the version that matches the version of SBS you are running. So if you are on SP1, buy the SP1 version.

Here are some guidelines to follow when running the Transition Pack:

http://blogs.technet.com/sbs/archive/2006/01/12/417350.aspx

ShackDaddy
Shackelford Consulting