You can migrate an OS in two ways:
1. install a new one and copy data, user information, software, etc. to the new one
2. copy the image of the installed OS to the new hardware, add necesary drivers
1. method:Windows SBS 2003 has a built in backup, which backs up the "System state" to a file.
Sounds pretty cool. Just install a new Windows and restore System state!
Not so fast! System state includes all hardware information (and you do not have the option to exclude it!), so restoring it will destroy the new installation.
The official attitude:
How to move a Windows installation to different hardwareMicrosoft does not support restoring a system state backup from one computer to a second computer of a different make, model, or hardware configuration.
So if you want to be prepared for a hardware failure, you better by two identical computers! There are small chances that you will be able to get an identical
computer after even a year!
2. method:Migrating an OS, ideal solution:- copy image of OS (resize partition if necesarry)
- boot with apropriate CD and install mass storage driver
- start OS on new hardware and install network driver
and other required drivers for optimal performance
- celebrate
Migration a Windows, theoratically:- install new mass storage driver on old hardware
(since you cannot add mass storage driver on non-working windows afterwards)
- copy image, resize partition
- make sure you have a proper MBR and an active partition
- start Windows on new hardware and install network driver and other required drivers for optimal performance
- celebrate
Migration SBS, real life:- install new mass storage driver on old hardware
(although it is no use, but you might be lucky)
- copy image, resize partition, and prepare yourself for a nightmare
- make sure you have a proper MBR and an active partition
- start Windows, you'll probably get a STOP error
- boot installation CD, run a repair installation and don't forget to press F6 at the proper time (you have about 3 seconds, than you have to reboot)
- repair installation: 40-60 minutes
- first time start of Windows: 2-3 hours
- reactivate windows
- now you only have to install SP1 and other patches
- probably reinstall Fax server, if you use
- also you might have to reinstall WSUS.
If you know an easier way, let me know!