Performing a Windows Server 2008 Upgrade
In the previous chapter of Windows Server 2008 Essentials we looked at performing a clean installation of Windows Server 2008. Whilst this approach is acceptable in some instances, it is probably more common that Windows Server 2008 will be installed as an upgrade to a previously installed version of Windows (specifically Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000 or a lesser edition of Windows Server 2008).
In this chapter the steps involved in performing an upgrade to Windows Server 2008, together with supported upgrade paths will be covered in detail.
Windows Server 2008 Upgrade Paths
Before performing an upgrade to Windows Server 2008 the key prerequisite is that the currently installed operating system provides an upgrade path to the chosen edition of Windows Server 2008. It is not, for example, possible to upgrade to Windows Server 2008 from Windows XP. In addition it is vital that the target hardware be of a suitable high specification to support Windows Server 2008. For details of the system requirements refer to Windows Server 2008 Editions and System Requirements.
Upgrades are possible from a number of older Windows Server versions as outlined in the following table:
Operating System | Upgrade Options |
---|---|
Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition |
Windows Server 2008 Standard |
Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition |
Windows Server 2008 Enterprise |
Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition |
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter |
Windows Server 2008 Standard |
Windows Server 2008 Enterprise |
Windows Server 2008 Enterprise |
Windows Server 2008 Datacenter |