I run a small business out of my home, with 4 total workstations and one server (running SBS 03), which is the Exchange Server and Domain Controller.  The server is very old so we purchased a PowerEdge 2900 server that should last us a while.  I simply want to know the easiest way to transfer all domain settings, files and exchange configuration to the new server.  Will I have to transfer all data to the new server then re-configure everything from scratch? Or is there an advanced utility out there I can purchase to do the transfer automatically?  I appreciate any suggestions or tips on getting this done, as I am a computer savvy guy but when approaching something of this magnitude, you must always take heed.

 

Thank you

Thanks for the fast reply. Is it at all possible to create an image file of the partitions on our old server, then load the image files to the new server, even if the hard drive sizes on the old and new server are different?  Like using Acronis True Image Server or another product that will perform the task I am referring to? I'm just trying to think of simpler ways to do this.  I have heard horror stories from people who have migrated SBS even with Jeff Miiddleton's Swing Migration Kit - trying to be sure that before I resort to the kit, there does not exist an easier alternative. I'm willing to pay more if it's easier.

 

Also, is it possible to do the migration in the course of one day, or does it require you wait additional days before doing certain tasks so that certain settings propagate? I only have one day off reserved so I'd like to take care of it all in the course of the day...

 

Thanks again.

Hi Jason,

 

Depending on the differences in the hardware, a backup and restore might do the job for you.