Check system requirements.

System Requirements and Hardware Compatibility

Read Relnotes.htm and hardware compatibility information.

Important files to review

Hardware compatibility

Determine whether your current operating system is one from which you can upgrade to Windows Server 2003.

Upgrading or Installing

If you have server clusters, review the choices for upgrading on cluster nodes.

Upgrading to Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, and Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition on Cluster Nodes

Checklist: Preparation for upgrading a cluster

For upgrades in any domain where all domain controllers run Windows NT 4.0, review the upgrade plan.

Upgrades in a Windows NT 4.0 Domain

Decide whether to upgrade any FAT or FAT32 partitions to NTFS.

Choosing a File System for the Installation Partition

Check the system log for errors that could cause problems during the upgrade.

Preparing your system for an upgrade

Back up files.

Preparing your system for an upgrade

If upgrading from Windows NT 4.0, prepare mirror sets or other disk sets for upgrade.

Working with volume, mirror, or stripe sets or stripe sets with parity

Disconnect UPS devices.

Preparing your system for an upgrade

Review hardware and software.

Preparing your system for an upgrade

Start Setup, and follow the instructions provided.

Start Setup on an x86-based computer

Start Setup on an Itanium architecture-based computer

Start Setup on an x64-based computer

If domain controller upgrades are complete, review concepts about domain functional levels and, if appropriate, raise the functional level.

Domain and forest functionality

Upgrading from a Windows NT domain