Upgrade Guide

Upgrade Instructions 3
This document provides information about finding your system requirements, upgrade process, and
various upgrade paths available while upgrading from Microsoft
®
Windows
®
2000 Server to
Microsoft Windows Server
®
2003 with Service Pack (SP)1.
If you are running Windows 2000 Server with SP4, you can upgrade it to Windows Server 2003 with SP1
to add the following features:
• Increased security, stability, and productivity
• New integrated features of the Windows Server 2003 with SP1 family of operating systems
Before Migrating to Windows Server 2003
This section covers the following topics:
• System requirements
• Application compatibility
• Product key and activation requirements
Ensure that the system being upgraded meets the recommended system requirements and that all the
hardware components are compatible with the operating system.
Depending on when you purchased your system, you will align yourself with one of the scenarios
listed below.
Scenario 1
You purchased your Dell™ PowerEdge™ system before 2004 with Windows 2000 Server SP4 image
installed at the Dell Manufacturing facility. You would have also received an original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) version of Windows 2000 Server SP4 operating system CD from Dell.
NOTE: The Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label on the side of the box shows the license and product key for
Windows 2000 Server.
You cannot upgrade to Windows Server 2003 OEM media due to the licensing agreements. You have an
option to purchase the latest version of Windows Server 2003 retail media and then perform the
migration (clean installation).
Scenario 2
You purchased your PowerEdge system in or after 2004 with Windows 2000 Server SP4 OEM image installed
on your system at the Dell manufacturing facility. You would have also received Windows Server 2003
media along with the server instead of Windows 2000 Server media.
To be eligible for this program, you should have previously received Windows 2000 Server installed
PowerEdge system along with Windows 2000 Server CD. You have an option of either upgrading to the
Windows Server 2003 media or performing a clean install using the media that was shipped to you.