Summary

Migrating from Windows NT 4.0 to Windows Server 2003 can be as simple as inserting the Windows Server 2003 CD into the Windows NT 4.0 PDC and allowing for an automated upgrade. However, there are several things that can be done to validate and test for a successful migration in a test environment prior to doing the migration in a live production environment.

Leveraging tools available for compatibility and migration testing and creating tested fallback plans can minimize the risk and the potential failure of a migration to Windows 2003. Planning can also minimize risk, as well as testing and validating procedures and processing times during a prototype or lab test to clarify how long it will take to initiate the migration.

With security enhancements built into Windows Server 2003, the migration process takes on a whole new test of tasks that require security testing and validation before proceeding. Testing security processes can minimize migration failure caused by a Windows service not starting automatically, or access to necessary administrative accounts are blocked by policy or rule.

By leveraging best practices and lessons learned in the migration process, an organization can improve the success factors that lead to a successful migration to Windows Server 2003.