Gathering Application Information

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Before you begin testing, gather everything that you need for testing each application. Microsoft customers have found that the more effort they put into preparation and information gathering before beginning to test, the faster and more easily testing progresses. Having all related information readily available also makes it easier to resolve any problems that testing uncovers.

For each application, gather its software and documentation along with supporting components required to install and run the application, and find out whether the application is dependent on the network basic input/output system (NetBIOS).

Gathering Software and Supporting Information

Work with the application owners within your organization to locate each application and its documentation. Before installing each application in the test lab, gather the supporting information and components that are required to run it. For example, gather the following information:

  • Required security clearances, such as user IDs, passwords, database permissions, group memberships, and so on.

  • Required servers and IP addresses.

  • Accurate installation instructions, installation media, and contact information for application experts.

  • Service packs or patches that have been applied or are required.

  • Software dependencies, such as the need for SQL Server or third-party components.

  • Whether the application is client-based or server-based, and where each component resides — on the client or on the server.

  • The version of Windows on which the application currently runs.

  • Application configuration information, such as search paths and working directories.

  • The directory path where the application files are installed.

  • Registry settings that the application creates or modifies.

  • The location where user data is stored.

  • URLs for Web applications.

  • The location of symbol files that were created when the application was compiled, for use with debuggers.

Identifying NetBIOS Dependencies

Determine whether any applications require NetBIOS. If any do, ensure that NetBIOS is included in the new Windows environment.

On computers running Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT, NetBIOS is enabled by default. On computer running Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Server 2003, NetBIOS is disabled by default. If an application runs on a system without NetBIOS and calls functions that use NetBIOS, the functions return errors. In such a situation, you must either enable NetBIOS or change the application to use functions that do not depend on NetBIOS.