Installing MS Small Business Server 2003

[VeryMark]

I want to install MS Small Business Server 2003 to run what is presently an ad-hoc network with NAS which consists of 2 desktops KVM’d plus two or three wirelessed laptops.

The first desktop runs an Outlook email server (Public Sharefolder) and a fax server (VentaFax). The second machine runs backups. Both desktops have XP and other assorted software on them. Broadband and network linkage is via an ADSL wireless router.

I'd like to install SBS 2003 on the second desktop rather than have to buy a new machine, at the same time shifting software as necessary to the first machine. The second machine will then be the network server, the first machine a workstation.

I'd really appreciate comments/advice on this from a feasibility/issues/likely problems perspective.

For example, do I have to wipe/re-format the hard drive on the second machine to install SBS 2003, or can SBS 2003 sit alongside what's on the machine at present? What's sensible?

Anybody who can point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

 

[DuaneJackson]

I don't think they'd be any issues with installing SBS over the top of what's already there.

As long as the second PC has XP Pro, not Home Edition then I don't forsee any problems.

 

[VeryMark]

Why does XP Pro make a difference?

 

[DuaneJackson]

XP Pro can join a domain, XP home can't.

It's not a major deal but with XP Pro you'd log into your SBS domain and have instant access to everything. With home you'd need to re-authenticate when you want to attach to a share, Exchange server, etc.

 

[KM-Tiger]

I want to install MS Small Business Server 2003

Have you already bought M$ SBS?

If you haven't then an option to meet your requirements could be Linux running Opensource software.

 

[VeryMark]

I have a copy of SBS 2003 on order - got a good deal on it (I hope).

Thanks for the advice - it's a real help.

 

[DuaneJackson]

Did you look into MS Action Pack? You can't get a better deal than that.

 

[VeryMark]

Errrrr ....... no. What's MS Action Pack?

 

[DuaneJackson]

It's £200 and you get all this:

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/partner/sales_and_marketing/actionpack/default.aspx?page=contents

Don't shoot the messenger!

 

[VeryMark]

Impressive, Duane, but sounds like you need to be a qualified IT professional to get hold of it, and (assuming it arrives ok) I've managed to get hold of a surplus copy of SBS 2003 for even less.

Hey, I wouldn't shoot you, lawyers just talk to you until you want to give up of your own free will lol.

 

What version of SBS did you get? Care to share your source?

 

[VeryMark]

It's SBNS 2003. It hasn't arrived yet, but it's an eBay purchase so it's a one-off surplus stock item.