I only have 12 users ... migrate? upgrade? replace?

[mkcsoftware]

I have a total of 12 users all on Windows XP connected to a Windows NT Server SP6a.

We are buying a new Dell with Windows 2003 Server.

Instead of going through all of the pain of migrating or upgrading, can I just setup the new Server and manually setup the 12 users and re-install all the apps, take the ole NT Server off the network and put the new 2003 Server on.

Kind of like the old NT Server was stolen or burned up.

 

[Spirit]

De ja vu!!!!

Just in case you miss the 2003 post:

I personally like your thinking!

So much easier and none of the issues with upgrading and left over files.

Remember that you will need to manually create the users & groups

Transfer the data do it via a shared drive or cheap storage device with a network connection. Then assign the permissions.

When you connect the XP boxes to the new domain to migrate any saved files and most important of all users' Favourites!!!

Definitely the easiest way to go!

Good Luck (again),
Iain

 

[AndrewTait]

Highly recommended way to do it.

With only 12 users the "tried and tested" methods of migration or upgrade are not worth the effort and cost involved.

=======================================
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key

Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum
======================================

 

[akalinowski]

i agree w/ the above 2 replies, migration is worth is at 50+ users any less that that, f* it

 

[LWComputingMVP]

I agree - in a small environment of 10-12 users, like this, it's probably best to just start fresh. HOWEVER, I strongly recommend you get Small Business Server 2003 instead of Server 2003. SBS is designed for small businesses and includes Exchange Server for about the price of a standard server. With appropriate Client Access Licenses, it can handle up to 75 users (and if you grow beyond that, you can use the SBS transition pack to remove the limitations).

In addition, SBS has MANY wizards that are designed to be used by NON-TECHNICAL people - it's a system designed for the company with no real IT staff - you just have to use all the wizards and only the wizards wherever and whenever possible.

 

[AndrewTait]

lwcomputing makes a very valid point!!!

One advantage of doing a fresh install and moving people over manually, is that it forces you to audit the usage of file shares, printers and access rights on your system.

This then leads to getting rid of the "I need access to this document for a while" type access, which never get removed.

=======================================
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key

Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum
======================================