Migration from SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 – Part 1

Overview

This article covers the “Microsoft” method for migrating from SBS 2003 to SBS 2008. Following this method allows you to add a new SBS 2008 server to the existing domain allowing you to then gracefully migrate data across (you have 21 days until the SBS2003 server will shutdown). Following this method minimises the downtime for end users – the only downtime needed is when copying data/mailboxes across. I have written this guide whilst performing a number of real-world upgrades.

Alternatively you can use the “swing” method – see www.sbsmigration.com. This method allows you to build a new SBS 2008 server with the same server name as the SBS 2003 server. It’s not covered in

Below is a sample plan showing the timescales of the migration.

Day	Part	Task
1 – day (2 hours work)	1	Backup SBS 2003 server Run all pre-requisite checks & updates Generate answer file
1 – out of hours	1	Reboot SBS 2003 server
2 – day	2	Build SBS 2008 server with answer file Install Updates
2 – out of hours	3	Migrate mailboxes
3 – day	3	Deal with any issues from Email migration Continue migration (using SBS wizard)
3 – out of hours	3	Setup user accounts and folder redirection Move shared folders and sharepoint
4 – day	4	Deal with any issues from data move Decommission SBS 2003

As with all articles on this site this guide is for reference only. Please conduct your own research and testing.

Step 1 – Pre-requisite Checks

• Note that SBS 2008 ONLY supports a Class C network – i.e. the subnet mask must be 255.255.255.0. If you are using another subnet mask then that is a problem!
• If using Backup Exec 12 or earlier then you will need to upgrade.
• If using a self issued SSL certificate then the end users are going to see certificate warnings on their PC/phones. I recommend buying a cheap SSL certificate for the new server (see my other article on this).
• Check that any applications you plan on installing on the SBS 2008 server actually support SBS 2008 (i.e. 64-bit windows)
• Run a full backup of the SBS 2003 server and verify that backup

The SBS 2003 server needs to have at least:-

• Windows Server 2003 sp2
• .net framework 2.0 – check in add/remove programs
• Exchange 2003 SP2
• SBS 2003 SP1 – Note that this is entirely separate to Windows SP1 and can be installed in addition to Windows SP2. Check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\SmallBusinesServer\ServicePackNumber
  If the value is 0×00000001, Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows SBS 2003 is installed.
• Windows Sharepoint services 2.0 sp3 – Go to “Add or Remove Programs”. Select Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 2.0, and then click “Click here for support information”. If the version number is 11.0.8173.0, SP3 is installed.
• Verify that the CompanyWeb site is updated with sharepoint sp3 – click Administrative Tools | SharePoint Central Administration |Central Administration |Configure virtual server settings |Virtual Server Configuration section. On the Virtual Server List page, verify that the version for the CompanyWeb site is 6.0.2.8165
  MSXML 6.0 SP1
• MS SQL server management studio express sp2
• Microsoft Update – I would recommend running this to ensure the system is fully patched.
  

Step 2 – Raise functional levels

Exchange: Change to Native mode. There must be no exchange 2000 servers in your domain.

AD: Raise the forest functional level. Only do this if there are no Win2000 domain controllers in your domain.

Step 3 – Exchange

• I would recommend exporting a list of email addresses used. Download this file, extract and and run the vbs script. It will create a text file called c:\proxyaddresses.txt
• I would also recommend making a note of DHCP settings and their reservations. I have noticed that although the DHCP service is moved over to the new server the reservations are not.
• Rename any postmaster accounts – make sure there is no postmaster@ address used in the company
• Remove any mailbox management policies
• Remove duplicate or incorrect SMTP addresses

Step 4 – Misc

• Create an active directory user for migration (e.g. sbsmigration).
  • This account must have a strong password – mixture of case, 1 number and 1 symbol.
  • Must be a member of domain admins, enterprise admins and schema admins.
  • Make sure the primary group is domain users.
• Disable WSUS services on the SBS 2003 server
• If using ISA I recommend further reading. You could uninstall for the migration – obviously don’t leave your server connected to the internet unsecured.
• If using an SSL certificate on the SBS 2003 server then export it (with the private key). You can import it on the SBS 2008 server later.
• Reset the Active Directory Restore Mode password (MS KB322672). This is optional just in case the worst happens!
  
• Try to identify any software that might have hard coded server entries
• Where possible remove old users/mailboxes.
• Shorten the DHCP lease time on the SBS 2003 server. This is to try and avoid IP conflicts when DHCP is moved over to the new SBS server.

Step 5 – Healthchecks

• Run DCDiag and Netdiag – look out for any errors
• Check event viewer for errors – in particular look out for JRNL_WRAP_ERRORS in the File Replication Service event log.
• Run exchange BPA
• Check SYSVOL and NETLOGON are available as shares (i.e. go start – run –\\servername)
• Download and run the Microsoft IT environment health monitor
  

Please Click any of the following link

Next – Migration from SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 – part 2