Win2003 server or NT server?

[Treebeard]

Small lan with 1 NT server connecting 5 computers(3 XP Pro & 2 Win98SE ).
It's time to upgrade the server because it is old and I'd like to speed
things up. We are sharing an MS Access database on the server which is
getting larger and slower.

I'm wondering what operating system should I use on the new server. The NT
server SP6 has worked fine, never really had a problem except unable to see
the net in network neighborhood on the XP machines.

Reading this newsgroup about "10 minute logon times" and other problems, I
am not so sure whether upgrading would be a good idea.. Would like your
opinion.

Also, if I do upgrade to Win2003 Server, can I move it into the network like
I would a NT Server. In other words, can I install it as a "Backup Domain
Controller" and then do the switch.

Thanks .

Jack

 

[Marc Reynolds [MSFT]]

Hi,

If you already have a NT domain and you want to add a Windows Server 2003
box you have two choices - add it as a member server or add it as a DC and
make your domain a Windows 2003 domain. Windows Server 2003 cannot be a BDC
in an NT 4.0 domain.
The quick way would be to simply add the 2003 box as a member server and
start planning to migrate your domain to a 2003 domain. Once you've made
your plan nad taking care of any potential issues, then upgrade the 2003
box to a DC and the domain to a 2003 domain.

www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003

Thanks,
Marc Reynolds
Microsoft Technical Support

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
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