Upgrading and Installing Member Servers
Upgrading and Installing Member Servers |
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Before starting the Setup wizard for Windows 2000 Server, review the following checklist and apply any items that might be applicable to member servers in your network infrastructure.
Under Windows NT 4.0, check the System, Application, and Security Event Logs in Event Viewer to ensure that no errors are currently logged. If you find errors, correct them before upgrading to Windows 2000 Server.
Perform a full backup of all drives on the computer. Save any pertinent hard disk setup information before upgrading.
In Windows NT 4.0 you can use Disk Administrator (windisk.exe) to save the hard disk partition table to a floppy disk. On the menu bar click Partition, then click Configuration and Save.
If the drives are formatted with the NTFS file system, you do not need to take any steps to prepare the disks. Windows 2000 Server Setup converts them to the version of NTFS used in Windows 2000 Server. Also, disable any disk mirroring because a mirrored volume reduces the chance of your receiving an unrecoverable error by keeping a duplicate set of data on another drive. If mirroring is enabled while upgrading, and the data on the primary drive becomes corrupt, it can cause you to lose all of the data on the mirrored drive.
Additionally, back up all of your important files onto tape or a share on your network. If a problem occurs during the upgrade, it is extremely important to complete this step first to protect your data
If you are using the Backup feature, confirm that there are no errors after the backup process is complete by checking the backup log located at \Winnt\Backup.Log
You can also back up the registry of the member server by using the Regback.exe program on the companion CD in the Microsoft® Windows NT® Server Resource Kit. This tool backs up registry keys to files without the use of tape. However, Windows 2000 Server will back up the registry at the same time that the System State data is backed up.
Remove any virus scanners, third-party network services, or client software. Read the release notes file (on the Windows 2000 Server operating system CD) for information about any known problems with specific applications.
Disconnect the serial cable that connects any UPS devices. Windows 2000 Server attempts to automatically detect devices connected to serial ports, which can cause problems with the UPS and the installation process.
If possible, set your system BIOS to reserve all interrupt requests (IRQs) currently in use by non-Plug and Play ISA devices. Failure to do so could result in the following message during installation:
INACCESSESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
If this occurs you will not be able to complete installation.
Also be sure to update your emergency repair disk and your emergency boot disk.