Hi, We're planning to upgrade our server from Windows 2003 32-bit to Windows 2008 64-bit for a data management software. I already read that it is impossible to migrate a 32-bit system to 64-bit. So I think I will be doing a fresh install of 2k8 64-bit. What are the necessary steps/preparations prior to upgrading(Backup/Export files, properties and configurations from Windows 2003)? How do I import these to 2k8 server? Any links to pages with step by step procedure would be greatly appreciated.

In-place upgrade from a 32 bit OS to a 64 bit OS is not supported. You have to perform a clean install. What are the necessary steps/preparations prior to upgrading(Backup/Export files, properties and configurations from Windows 2003)? How do I import these to 2k8 server? That depends of what you have on your server. What is sure is that you have to backup your documents. Example: For upgrade to AD DS 2008: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc731188(WS.10).aspx This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights. Microsoft Student Partner 2010 / 2011 Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator