Upgrading 2003 32-bit to 2008 R2

[OverWorked]

Have I got this right:- ?

1) 2008 R2 is 64-bit only
2) It's impossible to upgrade any windows OS from 32-bit to 64-bit. Clean install only.

I'm about to move to Terminal Services. The new TS servers will be 2008 R2. My current domain is all 2003 R2 32-bit.

I was wanting to upgrade all my servers, but as R2 is 64-bit it won't be possible.

It is OK to leave the member servers on Server 2003 as they are? The DCs could be a problem - both of them host other things including the SQL server for the MIS.

[cookie_monster]

Yes 2008 R2 is x64 only.

We upgraded our domain to 2008 SP2 x32 DC's in the summer, we still have 2003 and 2008 member servers.

[cookie_monster]

Also you could start preparing your domain for 2008 by introducing a 2008 DC sooner. Take a look at the link below this would allow your to keep the 2003 DC's with your SQL server on for now.

Installing an Additional Domain Controller

[DrCheese]

Yes 2008 R2 is 64bit only.
There is no way you can upgrade from 32bit to 64bit, If you must keep 32bit then you could always use ordinary 2008 server.
To be honest, Windows upgrades a bit hit and miss anyway and you usually end up with various issues that you wouldn't get with a fresh install.

But if your moving your TS to 2008/R2 be wary that it's UI is like Vista/7 so it may confuse your users if you run XP on the clients usually. You also don't get Aero glass over RDC unless both client/server are running the same version of Windows.

DCs can be whatever, unless your domain level is set to 2008 or 2008 R2 level (needed for certain DC 2008/r2 features)

Member servers can be whatever, regardless of domain level, Linux/NT4/Amiga OS!

[OverWorked]

Thanks. I wouldn't normally thank two post by the same person, but that deserved it.

My problem is that I have two DCs, one physical and one virtual (as one should, I think), but both of them do a lot of other stuff as well. Stuff I daren't risk by uninstalling, wiping and reinstalling. I'm going to have to buy another hardware server to replace the DC on the physical server.

Another call to ICT-Direct, I think, who's got HP Proliant DL140 1U servers for £199. Should do a DC nicely.

[cookie_monster]

We have a HP Proliant DL140 G3 running 2008 as our DC as well, seems to run just fine.