Migrate Windows Server 2003 to 2008 & Data Loss

I would like to know if I migrate from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008 (x64) do I have to re开发者_开发知识库install all applications in new Operating System or I will be able to simply upgrade the OS without any data loss.

Check out this MS Technet Forum thread.

Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2003 R2 can both be upgraded in-place to Windows Server 2008, as long as you keep the following in mind:

• The Windows Server 2003 patchlevel should be at least Service Pack 1
• You can't upgrade across architectures (x86, x64 & Itanium)
• Standard Edition can be upgraded to both Standard and Enterprise Edition
  • Enterprise Edition can be upgraded to Enterprise Edition only
  • Datacenter Edition can be upgraded to Datacenter Edition only

This might be your preferred option when:

• Your Active Directory Domain Controllers can still last three to five years economically and technically)

• You worked hard to get your Active Directory in the shape it's in.

• Your servers are in tip-top shape.