Replacing motherboard for Windows 2003 server

[xfile]

Hi,

I have never done this before although had some experiences on XP pro, so
would like to consult with you if replacing a motherboard for Windows 2003
server will be similar to for XP Pro.

I understand that "re-install" is likely to be required after the main board
is being replaced, what I am not so sure is if the procedures are the same
as the one use for XP Pro?

For XP Pro, I usually followed the following two articles for the
procedures:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

And there is a similar article from MS KB as follows:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;824125

What I don't understand for the second one from MS KB is that shall I follow
the first option (upgrade an existing motherboard) or the second option
(replace a failed motherboard)?

I assume the second option was the default procedures for both working and
failed motherboards and it seems that I was wrong.

In addition, I don't know if the first one is safe and would require a
re-activation?

So could anyone advise which procedure is more appropriate?

FYI, the motherboard is working but "may" have some problems. We just have
experienced intermittent problems on display, and then the second HDD cannot
be recognized, and both HDD cannot be recognized, and it would work fine
again.

So I "assumed" it should be motherboard problem.

Thanks for your kind advise.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Hi,

I have never done this before although had some experiences on XP pro, so
would like to consult with you if replacing a motherboard for Windows 2003
server will be similar to for XP Pro.

I understand that "re-install" is likely to be required after the main board
is being replaced, what I am not so sure is if the procedures are the same
as the one use for XP Pro?

For XP Pro, I usually followed the following two articles for the
procedures:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

And there is a similar article from MS KB as follows:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;824125

What I don't understand for the second one from MS KB is that shall I follow
the first option (upgrade an existing motherboard) or the second option
(replace a failed motherboard)?

I assume the second option was the default procedures for both working and
failed motherboards and it seems that I was wrong.

In addition, I don't know if the first one is safe and would require a
re-activation?

So could anyone advise which procedure is more appropriate?

FYI, the motherboard is working but "may" have some problems. We just have
experienced intermittent problems on display, and then the second HDD cannot
be recognized, and both HDD cannot be recognized, and it would work fine
again.

So I "assumed" it should be motherboard problem.

Thanks for your kind advise.

While it is possible to port a WinXP installation to new hardware,
I would not consider this option for a server, because of the far
higher expectations one places on a server. Instead I would either
rebuild the server or adopt one of the methods described below,
especially the "Swing Kit".
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/upgrading/nt4/tooldocs/msfsc.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/techinfo/overview/ads.mspx
www.sbsmigration.com (swing kit)

 

[xfile]

Hi,

Many thanks for the reply.

Will look into the two articles but we are too poor to buy another software
for the task.

Would appreciate any additional suggestions.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Reloading Windows Server is free.

Hi,

Many thanks for the reply.

Will look into the two articles but we are too poor to buy another software
for the task.

Would appreciate any additional suggestions.

 

[Andrew Morton]

I have never done this before although had some experiences on XP
pro, so would like to consult with you if replacing a motherboard for
Windows 2003 server will be similar to for XP Pro.

I understand that "re-install" is likely to be required after the
main board is being replaced, what I am not so sure is if the
procedures are the same as the one use for XP Pro?

Is there any chance of getting exactly the same make and model of
motherboard? Then you can swap them with no problems.

Andrew

 

[xfile]

Hi,

The motherboard is discontinued - Asus P4P800.

We had 2 spare ones are P4P800 SE. I did not look into the chipset part
yet, but I guess chipset will be similar if not identical.

But I am sure onboard LAN chips are different.

Will that make any difference?

Still waiting and figuring out what is the best approach but the server is
down now - just shut it down before other problems coming out.

 

[xfile]

Hi,

Just an update, it turned out to be the fault of VGA and motherboard is
good - at least nothing is wrong up to this point after switching to another
VGA card.

But will remember your kind tip and thanks again.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Thanks for the feedback.

Hi,

Just an update, it turned out to be the fault of VGA and motherboard is
good - at least nothing is wrong up to this point after switching to another
VGA card.

But will remember your kind tip and thanks again.