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Steps for upgrading SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 on the same server

Answered Steps for upgrading SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 on the same server

  • Monday, June 28, 2010 10:32 AM
     
     
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    Does anyone know of a 'How to" or Walkthrough document from Microsoft on installing SBS 2003 on the same server that had SBS 2003?

    I know I have to do a clean installation, and backup all the data, mailboxes, etc., but I thought MS would have a walkthrough on this.  I can't be the only one doing this, or am I?  I've searched everywhere I can think of, and haven't found one.  All the documentation seems to assume that you're buying a new server and using the swing migration.

    If you know of a link, it would be greatly appreciated.  Until then, I'm just creating my own 'To Do' list.  Thanks.

     

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  • Monday, June 28, 2010 11:28 AM
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    First, undertstand that SBS 2008 only runs on a 64 bit processor, and a lot of SBS2003 systems were running on 32 bit processors. Also, SBS 2008 has larger requirements (more memory, more disk space, supporting usb backup over tape backup, etc.) than SBS 2003. And, if you are running SBS 2003 with ISA, ISA is no longer provided. And, if you are using two NICs, SBS 2008 supports only one NIC with its wizards.

    Because of that, even if your server is 64 bit, trying to convert a server from a 32 bit environment to a 64 bit one in place is not an easy one, much less to provide a single foolproof process to meet all of the above variations.

    Saying that, if you wish to use your same server for SBS2008, my recommendation would be to use Jeff's Middleton's Swing Migration methodology (see www.sbsmigration.com). The only thing you would need is a PC or laptop to do the AD cleanup and migration. And Jeff will be able to help you every step of the way.

    -Kevin Weilbacher (SBS MVP)
    "The days pass by so quickly now, the nights are seldom long"
    KW Support MVP Blog
    MVP's do NOT work for Microsoft. We give our time freely to support the SBS community!
     
  • Monday, June 28, 2010 12:39 PM
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    As Kevin says, because of the change in "bit-ness" of SBS 2008 over SBS 2003, there simply isn't any direct in place upgrade possible. Beyond that, there are the very different hardware requirements for the server - not only the 64-bit, but the realistic minimum of 6-8 GB of RAM, even for a small SBS installation. So there is no direct upgrade from SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 on the same server, and all the documentation provided by MS is for migration to a new server. However, all that being said, if your physical server would actually support SBS 2008, then using the Swing Migration that Kevin calls out is definitely the way to go.

    Charlie. http://msmvps.com/blogs/russel
     
  • Friday, July 02, 2010 2:51 PM
     
     
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    Thanks for the feedback, Kevin and Charlie.

    We actually planned for this a few years ago when we purchased the server. We are running SBS 2003 on 64-bit hardware.  We've been able to upgrade the processors (2 dual-core to 2 quad-core), added more memory (4 GB to 12 GB), and added 2 more hd's to the array, so we're good for the hardware.

    Have either of you had any experience with the "Jeff Middleton Swing Migration" method?

    I will review the web site.  Thanks, all.

     

     
  • Friday, July 02, 2010 3:00 PM
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    Yes, I (and many others) have use Jeff's Swing Migration. I've first used it to migrate SBS 2000 to SBS 2003 many years ago!
    -Kevin Weilbacher (SBS MVP)
    "The days pass by so quickly now, the nights are seldom long"
    KW Support MVP Blog
    MVP's do NOT work for Microsoft. We give our time freely to support the SBS community!
     
  • Thursday, July 08, 2010 5:06 PM
     
     
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    As far as I can tell, this is quite easy, due to the SBS 2008 answer file.  It will require a 64-bit workstation with 4 GB memory to act as a temporary server (TEMPSERVER). 

    PART 1 - CREATE A TEMP SERVER

    * Create an answer file using the SBS 2008 installation disc, and save it to a USB flash drive.

    * Insert the SBS 2008 DVD into the workstation and boot from it.  Insert the USB flash drive while the system is booting from the DVD.

    * The installation process will automatically detect the answer file, and determine that this is a 'migration'; not a new installation.  You do not get the migration option without the answer file.

    * It will automatically install SBS 2008, join the existing domain, and move the AD structure and Exchange components over to the temporary server.

    * Backup all the users' data and third party application data.

    PART 2 - INSTALL SBS 2008 ON ORIGINAL SERVER

    * Do the same procedure on your real server.  It will migrate everything from the TEMPSERVER to the existing server.  It will treat it as an SBS 2008 to SBS 2008 migraton.  You can use the same server name that you had previously, too!  That way, all your UNC paths will remain intact.

    * Restore the users' data, install any third party applications.

    Here's an interview that states that this works:  http://edge.technet.com/Media/SBS-2008-Migration-demo-and-interview/

     

     

     

     
  • Saturday, July 17, 2010 2:44 AM
     
     
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    Question what if you live in 3rd world country and the cost for the migration kit is half the cost you are going to charge the customer. Is there another way that this can be accomplished?
     
  • Saturday, July 17, 2010 3:33 PM
     
     
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    In article <d296f776-d451-4f2e-888e-71d872404a34
    @communitybridge.codeplex.com>, rickyricon says...


    Question what if you live in 3rd world country and the cost for the migration kit is half the cost you are going to charge the customer. Is there another way that this can be accomplished?

    If you don't already know how to do it and need the migration kit, then you didn't charge enough.

    When I migrate a server I charge the cost of my time, overhead (which includes the kit in many cases) and what I believe will be needed to support a few days startup issues.

    You should walk away from a job where you can't make money unless you're able to write off the loss.

    You can't trust your best friends, your five senses, only the little voice inside you that most civilians don't even hear -- Listen to that.  Trust yourself.
    spam999free@rrohio.com (remove 999 for proper email address)

     
  • Sunday, July 18, 2010 3:02 AM
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    Are there chances that you will migrate other customers? Jeff's swing migration methodology will expand your knowledge of Windows Server, AD and Exchange -- which may be prove to be of value to other customers.
    -Kevin Weilbacher (SBS MVP)
    "The days pass by so quickly now, the nights are seldom long"
    KW Support MVP Blog
    MVP's do NOT work for Microsoft. We give our time freely to support the SBS community!
     
  • Sunday, July 18, 2010 6:33 PM
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    There is always the Microsoft Method to move to new hardware.
    (This won't cover trying to put it on the same box however.)
    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/sbs-2008-2003-migration(WS.10).aspx


    If you want on the same box, you can just backup the data Put a new install of SBS2008 and restore Documents email etc.
    (There is no documentation on this that I know of more of a "done all the pieces" and you know what you are doing.)

    I would not recommend this method to those that are not familiar with Exchange, SharePoint, SQL, Data Permissions, Active Directory. etc. (Which is why the SBSMigration documentation costs money.)

    You are paying for HOURS and HOURS and HOURS of Process documentation so you don't have to learn.

    Russ

     

    Russell Grover - SBITS.Biz Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Microsoft Certified Small Business Specialist