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]

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,
Iain

 

[LWComputingMVP]

I would STRONGLY recommend you look at Small Business Server instead of 2003 Server - you get LOTS more capabilities for roughly the same price.

And yes, with 12 users going from NT4 to 2003, I would just do a reinstall and create new accounts, etc. (Provided you didn't have complex permissions structures on the old domain).

 

[porkchopexpress]

I have to agree with the Small Business Server recommendation it's a really good package and it provides some great user migration features so you can easily keep user faves and desktops. You will also get Exchange server, WSUS to keep patches upto date and Sharepoint.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/features/default.mspx

 

[58sniper]

SBS is the way to go. You could migrate to Standard, but the features in SBS make it easier to administer. It even takes care of alot of the workstation migration tasks.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[mkcsoftware]

Spirit, lwcomputing, porkchopexpress and 58sniper,

Thank you very much for responding!

I was worried about SBS because we will be running a monster MAS 200 Database and another monster Act 2007 Database.

I wasn't sure SBS could handle it along with the built in services we might or might not use, Exchange etc.

 

[mkcsoftware]

I just looked at the System Requirements for MAS 200, SBS is not supported, so I will have to use Standard.

If I want to add SBS later in a separate server, do SBS and Standard get along ok?

Thanks.

 

[porkchopexpress]

You will be able to have an SBS server and another running standard without any issues but the SBS will have to be the first DC installed in the domain.

 

[mkcsoftware]

When you say first DC installed, is that a time reference?

Can I add an SBS Server say 6 months after we have the Standard up and running?

 

[porkchopexpress]

You can't add a SBS to a current domain. If you just have a 2003 member server now then install a SBS domain down the line then you can add the member server to that domain.

Basically the SBS has to be the master server in the domain, it's to stop companies using it for larger multi domain networks.

 

[LWComputingMVP]

porkchopexpress - technically, that's not true. You CAN add SBS to an existing domain, it's just not recommended.

Reference:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/884453/en-us

 

[porkchopexpress]

They've moved the goal posts i'm sure you couldn't do that with pervious versions. Still it's hardly an ideal solution best to get the SBS is first if possible.