Upgrade VS New Install ????

[DirtDawg]

At the current moment The LAN is running is mixed mode 1 Nt file Server, 1 Win2k exchange 5.5 server, 1 Win2k Domain Controller with AD, and 1 win2k Web server with SQL 7.0. At the moment doing alittle bit of research on if to upgrade or just rebuild the entire LAN? The new software would be all Win2k3 OS, exchange 2k3, SQL 2k sp3. Should I upgrade or just rebuild and copy the appropriate information to the new build?

 

[tfg13]

No one has decided to answer, so I will attempt to appease the gods of technology by throwing some hints your way.

To answer your post, will be the worst phrase you will ever hear...."Depends on your needs". Basically, if you have a major file structure that could take a long time to recreate, an upgrade would be better. However, if you don't have programs/major files structures, a clean install could clean up some of the stuff that you no longer need/use.

Like I said, Depends on your needs.....Well, actually, also depends on your hardware as well.

 

[DirtDawg]

My current company has had alot of problem with its servers. I only started working here a little over a year. Before me there was only part time ppl maybe twice a week for 2 hours. There is a file structure but not a good one. Just a place for everyone to put their files. That is why I was trying to decide clean install of all servers. With the structure in place then give training to staff on the proper stucture and use.

 

[markdmac]

If you upgrade you would just be upgrading a problem installation it sounds like.

Normally I'd say go with the upgrade but it sounds like you are better off with the fresh install.

I hope you find this post helpful. Please let me know if it was.

Regards,

Mark

 

[ricpinto]

I will always favor fresh installation if I can help it, because for both scenario it's a headache, risk, no guarantee if old program will work, downtime.. etc. I suggest a fresh installation but do a double full backup first and test your backup if it's working. After you're confident with your back up then go ahead on rebuliding your LAN.

Tips: Anticipate what problems will arise, what's the solution and what's your alternatives, you can also leave your network alone .

If you continue at the end of the day, it's a good experince for you..

 

[tfg13]

I'm with markdmac. I would do a fresh because of some possible "hidden" problems you may have that you haven't discovered yet. As well as knowing exactly what is where and so on. It will just give you a fresh network to adjust as you need, without hidden problems.

 

[DirtDawg]

I appreciate everyones opinion. and like you guys have said there maybe be some hidden pitfalls, somewhere in the works. since the project started I had been leaning more towards a fresh install and then just move the files, mail, and Database over to the new servers durning the weekend.

Thanks alot it helpd