I have an existing server 2003 with SQL 2005 on hardware that is starting to fail. I want to add another server 2003 std edition with SQL 2005 to the network so I can transfer files and eventually remove the old server. What's the best way to start?

Once you have the new server up and running, migrating SQL should be fairly easy. There are a variety of ways to move the database, detaching, copying over, re-attaching, backup/restore, etc... In regards to any file shares you may have, Microsoft has a pretty tool for that. Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit 1.2 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d00e3eae-930a-42b0-b595-66f462f5d87b&displaylang=en How to move databases between computers that are running SQL Server http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314546Visit my blog: anITKB.com, an IT Knowledge Base.

Thanks for the links. I'll give it a try and let you know. ..RB

If you talking about moving SQL database from one sever to another, try this option: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314546 Santhosh Sivarajan | MCTS, MCSE (W2K3/W2K/NT4), MCSA (W2K3/W2K/MSG), CCNA, Network+ Houston, TX http://blogs.sivarajan.com/ http://publications.sivarajan.com/ This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

If you talking about moving SQL database from one sever to another, try this option: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314546 Santhosh, Jorge already mentioned that article.