Hello :) I'm kinda newbee on Win2003 and I have a problem. I just took admin of a 25users domain running a cracked win2003ENT server. I need to basically Format the dam thing to re install a legal Win2003SBS premium. My problem is that I would love to avoid re creating all the users profiles, outlook profiles etc etc .. Would anyone have a simple breakthrough for this ? (Something for normal human NOT for Living computer gods / CyberChrists ;) ) Thanks to all in advance :) Matthew.

I don't know much about server 2003, so best to wait until someone else comes along to confirm this, but I would think you could just install the legitimate version of Server 2003 you have on top of what is on the computer now. IT will overwrite all the operating system related files(and use your new, legit licence), but should leave everything else intact. Again, wait till someone else confirms this. -Ryan Adams http://RyanTAdams.com

Heya Matthew, I thought I should mention that there are also lisencing regulations / costs (Client Access License - CAL) which will also accompany the valid OS installation that you will need to look into. For example you have to pay for a license to have an X amount of computers (seats) which can connect to the server at any given time. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsser... I am fairly certain this is how it works, I hope I am corrected if I am misinforming you.

Just change the key to a legal one http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918342

Upgrade is straight forward. This will keep all user details in ad and user files, whilst validating a new licence for SBS. Upgrade as below. 1. Log on to the server, using the built-in Administrator account. 2. Insert Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Disc 1 into the CD-ROM drive. The Autorun page should appear. If it does not appear, click click Start, click Run, and then type D:\Setup.exe, where D: is the letter of your CD-ROM drive. If you are using the DVD, type D:\CD1\Setup.exe, where D: is the letter of your DVD drive. 3. Click Set up Windows Small Business Server. 4. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows Small Business Server page, click Next. 5. The Upgrade Information page lists tasks to complete before you begin the upgrade. Note If you want to review the list of tasks before you begin the upgrade, see "Before You Begin the Upgrade" in Chapter 3B and Chapter 3C of Getting Started: Windows Small Business Server 2003 with SP1. 6. Follow the instructions to complete the wizard. 7. Install Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Premium Technologies, if this applies to you. 8. Complete the To Do List tasks. 9. Insert the R2 Technologies disc in your CD-ROM drive. The Autorun page should appear. If it does not appear, click Start, click Run, and then type D:\Setup.exe, where D: is the letter of your CD-ROM drive. If you are using the DVD, type D:\CD1\Setup.exe, where D: is the letter of your DVD drive. 10. Click Windows Small Business Server R2 11. Follow the instructions to complete the wizard. Good Luck Matt Hudski

Ignore my previous post, I experienced an error that occured between my chair and keyboard. This is the correct proceedure, somewhat more complicated. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pr... Good Luck again

I don't believe you can "upgrade" from Server 2003 Enterprise edition to SBS 2003. You can from Server 2003 Standard edition depending on how it's configured. Here is the MS page for upgrade paths to SBS 2003: https://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/upgrade/default.mspx It may be possible to have a local PC act as the Domain controller and copy the AD then when SBS 2003 is up it will take over the domain (SBS 2003 HAS to be the domain controller and only 1 server on a network can run 2003 SBS edition). Good luck with it! Don't let the smoke out!