SP1 Installation with SBS

[Meldrew]

Ok the scenario is thst I have upgraded a Eval version of SBS 2003 to the full retail version.
It refused to install the SP1 as it said that it was running an evaluation version of SBS.

I checked the product key abd that is OK

HAve reinstalled all the SPs and it fails again at the unstallation of SBS SP1

Tried to upgrade the installation again but it won't proceed as the check procedure says that it can't proceed as it is a Evaluation version of SBS - which I don't think it is ..

Any thoughts on this - i am thinking that I will have to reinstall completely from scratch which is going to be a real pain ...

 

[SkreeM]

Providing you are licenced i suggest you contact microsoft product support to see if there is a simple registry fix or similar prior to making the decision to re-format

 

[Meldrew]

Thanks SkreeM for your comments

I looked at the documents and KB articles provided by Microsoft and also reports from other people who had similar problems.

Despite not being able to run the "in place SBS reinstallation" from the DVD Media, I found that the winnt32.exe file did actually allow an upgrade - at least that is what it said, although what happens is that it only upgrades the Window 2003 server element. The SBS install part fails with the usual error message that it thinks it has an evaluation version running.

I resorted to doing a fresh installation in the end, although that was not totally straightforward - the install causes aproblem which makes the "system" event file corrupt and then you have to get a hotfix from Microsoft. Fortunately I had already got that as I had the problem during the initial upgrade attempt.

I used the File and settings Transfer Wizard on the XP workstations so at least the users could retain their original profiles for the "new" Domain

The install of Exchange was also a problem - It went Ok and the during the Service pack 1 upgrade it complained that it could not copy a file and I had to search it out from the installation media ....

Anyway - to anyone that is thinking of upgrading from an Eval version of SBS 2003 to The Premium editon - DON'T UPGRADE - Bite the bullet and go for a fresh install - it will save you time in the long run ...

My server, I am happy to say is now back up and going OK

 

[markdmac]

FYI, it is also possible to modify the registry of the local system to use the profile from the "old" domain. Takes less time than using File & Settings transfer wizard.

All you do is log in on the new domain to have the registry keys setup then log out and back in as admin. HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\ProfileList.

Modify the profile path to point to the old profile and you are done.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

 

[markdmac]

Sorry just going by memory and realized I did not specify CurrentVersion

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

 

[SkreeM]

Mark,

I wish I had read that one yesterday I've spent the last day copying profile folders from old folders to new ones, takes an age when there is 100s of Mb's in my docs etc.

Skr

 

[markdmac]

Yes, I know what that is like. A night of server upgrades for an SBS domain made me figure this one out.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript