Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008 Upgrade Information

Information and resources to use when you plan to upgrade Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008

Microsoft has revised the upgrade guidance that begins with the Windows Server 2008 SKUs. This guidance reflects the best practices that customers typically follow when they upgrade to a new server operating system.

The improved features and capabilities of Windows Server 2008 require significant changes to the upgrade process. Therefore, Microsoft provides the following guidance to help you upgrade to Windows Server 2008.

Note In this article, third-party software is defined as any software or software component, role, or function that is not included with Windows Server or that is not delivered to Windows Server when you use Windows Update. This definition also includes Microsoft utilities and applications.

• We recommend that you perform a clean installation of Windows Server 2008 whenever possible.
• There are supported upgrade paths to upgrade to Windows Server 2008. We recommend that you follow the steps in this article before you upgrade to Windows Server 2008. This includes researching the software or hardware manufacturers' support policy for upgrading to Windows Server 2008.
• Before you upgrade to Windows Server 2008, we recommend that you remove any installed third-party software that is not supported by the software manufacturer for upgrade to Windows Server 2008. When you upgrade to Windows Server 2008 without removing the installed third-party software that is not supported, the third-party software may not function correctly.

This guidance applies to Windows Server 2003 operating systems that you want to upgrade to Windows Server 2008. Microsoft will provide technical support for the operating system, for Windows-delivered software, and for Microsoft applications to comply with your organization's technical support agreement and with Microsoft Customer Support Services.

Note Scenarios may exist in which upgrading a Windows Server component, role, or function is not supported. The Compatibility Report lists these scenarios during the Windows Server 2008 setup process.

Read the rest at Microsoft Support Site.