Win2k3 Small Bus. Server Question!

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courtex0

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Aug 15, 2004
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Hello all, I've got a couple of quick questions for you.

Can I Upgrade Win2k3 Server to Win2k3 Small Business Server, or do I need to reinstall? I've also heard that 2K3 SBS can only be installed as a Domain controller in order to use the SQL that comes with it. Is that true, or can I run it as just a file server on a workgroup?

Thanks in advance!
 
courtex0 said:
Hello all, I've got a couple of quick questions for you.

Can I Upgrade Win2k3 Server to Win2k3 Small Business Server, or do I need to reinstall? I've also heard that 2K3 SBS can only be installed as a Domain controller in order to use the SQL that comes with it. Is that true, or can I run it as just a file server on a workgroup?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I believe you can upgrade from Windows 2003 to SBS 2003, however why would you do so when SBS 2003 comes *with* Server 2003? Do you have a full copy of SBS 2003 or an upgrade copy?

SBS 2003 must be setup as an active directory domain controller and you must complete the SBS setup wizard. Failure to do so will result in the server shutting down periodically with a license warning in the event logs.
 
courtex0 said:
Can I Upgrade Win2k3 Server to Win2k3 Small Business Server, or do I need to reinstall?
Click to expand...

You can upgrade: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sbs/2003/plan/gsg/chptr3c.mspx

I've also heard that 2K3 SBS can only be installed as a Domain controller in order to use the SQL that comes with it. Is that true, or can I run it as just a file server on a workgroup?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

SBS2003 is an all in one - email (Exchange), file server, domain controller, etc. It wouldn't make any sense to run it as a simple file server in a workgroup, if you're going to do that then why upgrade from server 2003?
 
pigster said:
When you have server 2003 already running as a file server and want to add exchange, SQL, ISA, etc
Click to expand...

Not sure if the OP is thinking about trying to install SQL or Exchange from the SBS disks onto the current Windows 2003 server without going through the entire SBS installation.:confused:
 
Awesome, thanks for the quick response. This whole mess has been dumped into my lap and I have until tomorrow afternoon to sort it out. Whee! :D

From what I understand they need SQL, and I'm pretty sure the version of SQL that comes with SBS is perfect for what they're going to use it for, plus it's cheaper than full blown SQL 2005. Is SBS SQL limited to 5 CALs, or is it limited to the number of CALs issued to the server? I've also heard something about a SQL Starter Pack for cheap, but I can't find any information on it. I'd much rather install SQL than upgrade to SBS, but I've gotta do it cheaply. :(

Thanks again!
 
SBS SQL is "limited" by the number of SBS Cals. If you only have 5 SBS cals, then you can only have 5 clients using SQL. Your SQL needs are based on what the application requires, you may not need a full SQL server, but we don't know that until you give us more details.

FYI, you sound like you've never dealt with SBS systems before. I would suggest you contact a local consultant or IT firm who can help you. I can understand wanting to do something cheaply, however the number of items that can go wrong without a proper assessment and planning can cost more than having it done right in the first place.
 
SQL Express would work except for the limitations on it since it's free. (If I've heard correctly there's a limit on users and the size of the DB.) SBS would work, but I'd rather not upgrade and setup a domain if I can avoid it. Unfortunately I still can't find any info on the mysterious "Basic Starter Pack" so I'll most likely have to go the SBS route.

Thanks again for all your help, I really appreciate it! :D
 
courtex0 said:
SQL Express would work except for the limitations on it since it's free. (If I've heard correctly there's a limit on users and the size of the DB.)
Click to expand...

SQL Express DB size is limited to a maximum of 4 gigabytes. How many clients are going to be accessing it? if it's less than 10, then SQL Express should work. What are the application requirements?
 
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