Steps in Upgrading Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008

There are many reasons to why you should upgrade to Windows Sever 2008 R2 here are four to consider.

1. Distributed File System Replication
2. Advanced Encryption Standard
3. Last Interactive Logon Information
4. Fine-grained Password Polices

Requirements

• At least 512MB of RAM or more
• At least a 2GHz processor or better
• 40GBs of Storage space or more
• DVD-ROM Drive

Before your start

1. 2003 should be patched at least Service Pack 1
2. Small business 2003 not supported
3. Can’t upgrade to Server Core

Let’s start

Step 1 – Insert Windows Server 2008 CD into your 2003 server box

Step 2 – Locate the “Support”

Step 3 – Copy the “adprep” folder

Step 4 – Paste the “adprep” folder onto the root of the C:

Step 5 – Open command prompt

Step 6 – Get into the “adprep” folder in command prompt

Step 7 – Type adprep /forestprep and type C and hit enter

Step 8 – Make sure you raise your DC before doing this command

Step 9 – Type adprep /domainprep [you only need to do this to one domain controller, just make sure you wait until it hits the other DCs in the network]

Step 10 – Start the setup.exe in the Server 2008 CD

Step 11 – Pick “Upgrade” and let it do it’s thing

Step 12 – Sit back and relax it will take a while before you are done. Once you are logged in push all the updates to your server