Windows SBS 2003 Standard Edition to Windows Server 2003

[CBack85]

Hello All,
I have been reading through some posts and kind of getting an understanding of going from SBS 2003 to just 2003. Here is what i want to do:

1. Remove SBS 2003 completely from the network and just make that a Windows Server 2003 server and keep that as a DC since i read it is not a good idea to demote a server with exchange 2003 on it. Now i read that you need the transition pack for this but i can't find it for SBS 2003 SP2 just for SBS 2003 R2?
2. Move Exchange to our new server that we would be getting making it a dedicated e-mail server for inside and outside office people to access e-mail from anywhere.
3. Also i am not quite sure how the licensing is going to work? Now if i understand the transition pack will allow me to keep my licenses and use them that i already have for SBS 2003 which right now we have 40 licenses. So do i need to buy licenses for just Exchange 2003 (which i think i have to buy separately now since its going to be on its own computer?) Just a little confused on that.

Summary:
1 SBS 2003 SP2 Standard to 2 Windows Server 2003 Servers - One DC and One being the Exchange 2003 Server.

 

[58sniper]

1. You have to use the Transition Pack.
3. My understanding is that it converts all licensing for Windows and Exchange. Just make sure you have enough SBS CALs for all of your users.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[CBack85]

Okay could you point me to the right transition pack? I see that have a transition pack and then they have like 5 cals, 20 cals is that how many it transitions over or something?

 

[CBack85]

also i am assuming i would have to buy microsoft exchange 2003 seperate? or does the transition pack take care of that so i can move exchange to the new server?

 

[58sniper]

The transition pack merely removes the limitations of SBS from your existing box, and converts the SBS CALs to standard Windows and Exchange CALs. There shouldn't be a need to buy any more CALs. YMMV

Once the transition pack is done, you could then do whatever you want with Exchange, including moving it to another server.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[CBack85]

how would i go about installing it on the new server can i juse the SBS discs? Or is there a different way?

 

[58sniper]

No - I would imagine you'd have to get a new media set. But those are like $30 from most big vendors. You can't use the SBS disks.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[CBack85]

oh okay thank you, do i just use the sbs license key then when it asks for it?

 

[CBack85]

anyone?

 

[markdmac]

Only did this once and as I recall I think the transition pack gave you a new key.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

Work SMARTER not HARDER. The Spider's Parlor's Admin Script Pack is a collection of Administrative scripts designed to make IT Administration easier! Save time, get more work done, get the Admin Script Pack.

 

[CBack85]

oh okay thanks i appreciate everyones help!