Migration SBS 2003 to a new Windows Server 2008 R2

[guest]

I check the migration tools reference on technet but i don't see the Small Business Server 2003 on the supported operating system.

I will install a new Windows Server 2008 R2 and promote it as a new DC. I also want to migrate the DNS and DHCP role to this new server.

Apparently I cannot use the migration tools included in Windows Server 2008 R2 to migrate this role. I never use SBS before so maybe someone can give me some highlights.

[guest]

If I understand correctly, you have a SBS 2003 Server and a number of client systems that you wish to migrate to Windows Standard Server and discontine using the SBS. If this is not correct, please let us know.

There are several approaches to this issue, and the best way to determine which is preferred is for you to tell us how many client desktops are in use.

For example, for less than 10 users it is problably best to export the existing mail, create an entire new system and import the mail, copy over the data and recreate the users, shares and permissions.

For 60 users or anything close, the SBS transition pack, if you can find one, allows you to break all the restrictions that SBS enforces and moves you to a Windows Server Standard 2003, Exchange Standard 2003 and so on, without having to buy all new licensing. You could then move to Windows Server Standard 2008 at your leisure.

You can also migrate your SBS 2003 to Standard Server 2008 by joining the Server 2008 to the existing domain, seizing all the FSMO roles, promoting to GC, removing the SBS and cleaning up the AD, but be sure to save out the mail first.

[guest]

thank for the quick reply.

That is exactly right. I will install two new servers, 1 for Windows Server 2008 R2 and 1 for Exchange 2010.

Here is my plan:

1. I will add one new server to the domain and promoting GC, DNS, seizing all the FSMO.....
2. I need also to migrate the DHCP role from the SBS to this new server but i don't know if i can use the migration tool
3. I will add the new Exchange 2010
4. Migrate all the mailbox from SBS to this new Exchange
5. Removing the SBS

Is that correct ?
what about the DHCP migration ?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[guest]

It appears, from the link you gave, that the DHCP migration will be OK.

As in all cases of working with substantial changes to servers, be certain that you have tested backups of both servers before you start down this road.

I would export the mailboxes to individual .pst files before doing anything, just for my own peace of mind.

Further, you might want to consult with www.sbsmigration.com just in case you have any unusual circumstances. They have a well developed path that allows for almost all of the migration to take place off line, switching the servers at the last minute. Using this approach the users may very well neverknow anything changed.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[guest]

Ok, i tried the migration tool and when I launch the SmigDeploy.exe on the SBS 2003 it gave me an error saying that this Operating System is not supported.

So We cannot use the Wincows 2008 R2 Feature migration tool on a Windows SBS.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------