What happens when you install Server 2003 over XP?

I have installed Windows 2k3 sp1 over an existing xp installation with minimal problems. Some of the installed applications needed re-installation, notably Office 2000. Other than that it has been fully functional. Another thing is that your apps that are already installed won't show up under the start menu/ programs but will be in the original directory on your hard drive. Just make sure not to opt for formatting the drive during install and although MS recommends not to, I have always reused the current installs folders by selecting L when it searches for existing versions of Windows. Good luck and hope that helps.

Actually, I had to do a 2k3 equivalent of fdisk, then format the drive, then the install took. Now I'm looking for all those nice free utilities I used to use in XPSP2RC3. Things like virus protection

Any suggestions would be helpfull and appreciated.

Thanks,

/Ari (Orpheuse)

If you want, you can create a virtual drive and install your server 2003 on the virtual drive. This will allow you to start either system and still maintain your ability to switch off. 2003 will work separately from your XP.

Server won't run on a virtual drive. I had to back off my XP because 2003 HAS to be on the 'C' drive. In order to understand the base configuration of this particular server I have to use as much Microsoft crap stuff as I can. After the exams I xcan start to get creative.

/Ari (Orpheuse)

When it comes to re-install and the like I always prefer to leave my current production system untouched, which clearly means: "don't install W2k03 over WXP". I do at least undo the internal HD and temporarily mount a smaller test drive and look for special behaviour of the planned installation. Finally it is a good idea to try a full HD-copy to an image file, followed by a restore on any spare HD which is big enough to try this process as well in its full lenght. Finally if the computer boots WXP from the restored HD you can install W2003 server with real fun and no risk at all. AND: If it works well you can just keep it as it is and take the other HD as working backup. Thats an exensive and maybe a bit complicated procedure but water-thight ;-)

Did that. Still trying to do this as if I were an end user with a little knowledge. The reason the question even came up was that some versions of Windows made it's own backup copy of the 'old' O.S. files. 2003 Server doesn't. I made self extarcting backups, image backups, and zip backups. I feel resonably covered.

Thank, muchly for the heads-up :-)

/Ari

Dear Comrade Col. Clamrod,

Whether we like it or not, 90% of homes with computers are running Windows. Love it, hate it but don't rail about it on this post.

This thread is for those of us who have to support the local accountants, optomitrists, insurance dealers, etc.

I, and most of the people on this thread, don't like Windows any more than you do. Instead of either contributing something usefull to this thread you went out of your way to 'spray graffity on the walls". I know how much Windows costs. Hell I just shelled out $200.00 just to learn this stuff. Do you always spread salt on an opened wound?

Comments like this one don't help, so lets be resonable.

I know just how much Windows sucks. I owned one of the first 8088's. I knew Windows when it was DOS and could have been CP/M. I've been through every version of Windows starting with Windows 3.1, which gloriously lived up to it's disappointment. I've also worked on IBM System 34/36, which used to be called a midrange system, and I was trained on an IBM 360 Mainframe. I've avoided Windows networking until now because very few people wanted that kind of service in their homes. That is no longer the case. So now I have to become a Wizard on Windows Networking.

Thank you for your post but, please, think before you post.

/Ari

I do never ever pay any money to any foundation, nor to beggers and the like. Regardless for what it is supposed to be. There is to much cases of misusing this money and its much better that no money at all goes there to avoid the misuse. :-P

Comrade Col. Clamrod was trying to be funny.

/Ari

Orpheuse

Interesting note: Server 2003 will not allow you to upgrade to IE7. I've been using Firefox, which runs just fine on Server 2003, and IE6.x for sites that demand it.

I just tried to upgrade to IE7. The message from Server 2003 was 'software is incompatible'.

I also have to find a good Virus program - none of the 'free' ones will run on a Server.

/Ari

(Orpheuse)

Not sure if you could have "dualboot" WS@K3 with XP or not.

You'll need server version of most of your programs, like AV. Most everyday app will not run on a server. Simply put, a server is design for a specific purpose and everyday browsing is not one of them.

Set it up and use it as a server, not a workstation and you'll be good.

Actually, my 'old' software runs just fine, except for 2 programs - Pinnacle 9 and Roxio. Some of the 'free stuff' like virus scan won't work on any server. That I will have to buy. Open Office works perfectly as does MSOffice. I had to reinstall my device drivers and I've had a devil of a time resolving a DNS problem, but, after 4 days, the server is operational.

/Ari (Orpheuse)