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SUMMARYThis article describes how to prepare your x86-based member servers for upgrading to Windows 2000. MORE INFORMATIONRead the Preinstallation DocumentsThe network administrator should read the following three important documents for x86-based systems before attempting an upgrade:
The Hardware Compatibility ListThe list is comprehensive, but be aware that Microsoft updates the information on a continuing basis. You can find the updated list by visiting the following Microsoft Web site:http://www.microsoft.com/hcl/ The Read1st.txt FileThe Read1st.txt file provides late-breaking, critical, or other preinstallation or upgrade information that supplements the Windows 2000 documentation.The Relnotes.txt FileThis file contains a detailed, technical description of additions and should be used to assist in making informed decisions concerning deploying member servers in your network.Record System InformationMake sure that you record all system information pertinent to each server before beginning an upgrade. This allows administrators to refer to important information to assist in getting a member server back to its original condition if a problem occurs while upgrading.You can view server system information in Windows NT 4.0. On the Administrative Tools menu, click Windows NT Diagnostics. To print the information, click Print Report on the File menu in Windows NT Diagnostics Manager. Back Up Important FilesMake sure to back up all of your important files to a backup tape or a share on your network.Back Up Hard Disk ConfigurationsYou can save hard disk configuration information to a floppy disk in Disk Administrator by pointing to Configuration on the Partition menu, and then clicking Save.If a drive uses the NTFS file system, you can leave it as it is. Windows 2000 Setup converts it to the version of NTFS included with Windows 2000. Also, disable any disk mirroring. Determine Software ComplianceSoftware designed for Windows 2000 takes advantage of Windows 2000 features such as Active Directory. However, any software written for Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 95, or Microsoft Windows 98 should run properly in Windows 2000. Software that was written for 16-bit versions of Windows (Microsoft Windows 3.x) or MS-DOS should work in a Windows 2000 environment, but is subject to the following considerations:
Determine System RequirementsThe first step in installing or migrating servers is to take a hardware inventory and compare it to the Windows 2000 HCL to verify that the servers are compatible with the operating system.Requirements for x86-Based SystemsEach server in the network infrastructure must meet minimum requirements for Windows 2000 Server to operate efficiently. In addition, an upgrade could require much more disk space than a new installation. As you add Active Directory functionality, the existing user accounts database can expand by up to a factor of ten during the upgrade process.Upgrade or Perform a New Installation on x86-Based SystemsWhen there are member servers on the network that already have operating systems installed, the upgrade to Windows 2000 is primarily automated. During the upgrade process, Windows 2000 migrates the current settings for the operating system, and no administrator input is required.Pre-Upgrade ChecklistUpgrading member servers to Windows 2000 requires that computers be compatible with the new operating system. Before starting Setup for Windows 2000 Server, use the following checklist:
In some cases, the non-Plug and Play ISA devices might not function. You should also update your ERD. Inventory of Existing HardwareBefore starting the Windows 2000 upgrade process, document the following information for each member server:
Ensure Software Reliability and CompatibilityTo ensure software reliability and compatibility, check the following items for the software you intend to run:
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Last Reviewed: December 29, 1999 © 2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use. |