NT to 2000 migration

[PatrixUSA]

26 on-site, multi-platformed machines networked with NT Server. Platforms include Win 98, Win NT, Mac OS 7 and Unix. 4 machines that travel running 98 dial into network from various locations. Currently, network performs consistently with no major problems, just the occasional (usually user caused) issue that easily resolved.

First question: Should I consider the migration to 2000 or subscribe to the "if it aint broke don’t fix it" philosophy? I know MS is discontinuing support of NT and I do not want to get left behind – on the other hand (and there’s always another hand) I do not want headaches that I don’t have now. Any advice...

Second question: What is the best protocol to follow for the migration? Clean install, upgrade, etc.

Thanks for the input. PatrixUSA

 

[djhawthorn]

I say stick with what you've got, unless there is a specific need to upgrade. Upgrading is expensive (license-wise), time consuming (for all involved), and will cause more hassles than benefits. MCSE NT4/W2K

 

[PatrixUSA]

Cool - thanks dhawthorn. I appreciate the advice... With the eventuality of the upgrade (at some point down the road), what is the best protocol to follow for the migration? Clean install, upgrade, etc.

Thanks again.

 

[djhawthorn]

I say backup your data, format, and do a nice clean install. With Windows 2000/XP, this will mean you can have a large C:\ (greater than the 4050MB size drive the NT installer limits you to), whereas doing an upgrade will mean you stick to the 4050MB partition you have now.

Fresh installs also mean you clear out all the gunk from the registry and system(32) folders from programs that didn't uninstall properly. MCSE NT4/W2K