Upgrading from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008

We have a Dell server running Windows Server 2003 purchased three years ago.  It has 4GB of memory and a single, 250GB hard drive.  We have purchased two new hard drives (1 TB each) and 8GB of additional memory.  And we've bought Windows Server 2008.  There are a number of Dell critical software updates that we have not yet installed on the server.  Our plan is to upgrade to Windows Server 2008 and, in the process, eliminate the 250GB hard drive.  We will have the OS, the database and the files on one of the new hard drives, and mirror it to the other.  I intend to use the Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation Media, including the boot disk, to perform a clean install of the OS (it will help install Dell-specific device drivers).  Besides a data backup, what sequence should I follow?  Is there anything amiss with this sequence: 1) backup, 2) apply critical software updates, 3) power down, install new memory and hard drives, and remove existing hard drive, 4) boot back up using the Dell boot disk?  

Thanks, Jim

September 11th, 2015 9:05pm

No need to install any updates to old OS. Yes, backup your files / database, clean install it, install the dell chipset and driver pack, install all windows updates (repeat checks between boots to be sure all are applied), and finally run the SUR tool
http://windows.microsoft.com/is-IS/windows7/What-is-the-System-Update-Readiness-Tool

then check %SYSTEMROOT%\Logs\CBS\CheckSUR.log to be you're sure it is error free. If so you can then install your applications, etc.

 

 

 

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September 11th, 2015 10:24pm

I would do diagnostics of HDD and memory (even for new one). Mix of old and new memory may do a problem in fast systems.

I prefer new installation (or migration) to in-place upgrade.

What is the purpose of second new disk? It will be data disk or part of RAID?

Keep in mind the return path if something goes wrong.

Good backup and recovery plan is needed in low grade servers...

Regards

Milos

September 11th, 2015 11:49pm

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