Hi, I ve got a server, windows server 2003, which I d like to transfer to another new one, because the old one makes too much noise. The thing is that I d like to transfer all the applications and the configuration, somehow to a new one. Do you know what I have to do? Can you propose me an application that does this work?

I have heard a number of reasons for transferring an OS but never because the box is "noisy". You don't mention if you are running Active Directory or not. Important piece of information. You would be better off reinstalling everything from scratch including the apps then restore the data [and ONLY the data].

MS says use ntbackup. Then restore on 2003 install on new system. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, antivirus, anti-spyware, Live CD's, backups, are in my top 10

That will not work under new hardware. This is also key to my statement of restoring only data.

Thank you for the answers. Can you also propose me an application that does this work?

There isn't one. Problem is hardware. Different hardware requires different drivers, etc. You can sysprep the server. Clone it to the new hardware Bring it up installing the new drivers Restore data from backup. I would just reinstall. Nothing like a clean install.

There is a process that I use for doing this, but it’s a pain in the rear at times. 1. get a PCI SATA controller and a large enough hard drive to cover the space of the drive on the existing server. 2. Install the SATA card and drive on the server. (make sure to install the driver.) 3. Run a system state backup! To play safe! 4. get a copy of Acronis Migrate Easy. (http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/migrateeasy/) 5. Clone the existing drive to the new drive. 6. Test the drive to make sure it boots in the existing system. 7. Install the SATA controller and new drive in the new system. (without your new RAID set!) 8. Attempt to boot the system. If it does not boot you will need to run a repair on the OS. Boot from the OS CD, F6 for the sata driver, enter to install, F8 EULA, R for the repair. 9. Once up and running install device drivers for the new system. 10. Reapply all service packs and updates (if a repair was done). 11. Configure your new RAID set on the server. 12. Clone the drive to the new system. I wouldn’t recommend doing this on a system that runs AD or exchange. I have done this on an AD, exchange and SBS system. They usually take a lot more work to get back up and running due to the repair of the OS if it was needed.