It's possible to Upgrade Window Server 2003 (DC edition) to 2008 with IIS role

Question

Hi all,

  I m using Microsft Window Server 2003 Datacenter Edition with IIS role and I want to update to latest version of Microsoft Server like 2022.

As I know I need to update to 2008 first, then can continues update to another higher version ?

So it's possible to upgate Upgrade Window Server 2003 (DC edition) to 2008 with IIS role ?

I tested on my lab and it's show below error when I start run 2008 installer package.

Upgrade has been disabled

• You cannot upgrade from WS 2003 DC to 2008 DC. You can upgrade to Windows Server 2008 DC without Hyper-V.

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Based on the description, I understand your question is related to upgrade 2003.

Here are a few things to check before doing upgrade:

1. Type system in search bar and press enter, check system type, if it is 64-bit or 32-bit system. Starting from Server 2016, systems are all x64-based, a 32-bit system cannot upgrade to x64.
2. Run below command in cmd to check the version you can upgrade to : DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions
3. If you are using Server 2003 currently, it is very important to check if your current hardware meet the requirements for Server 2008/ Server 2022:

Note: you can also find introduction about IIS on server 2008 in first website:

Install Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 | Microsoft Learn

Hardware requirements for Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

Have a nice day. 

Best Regards,

Molly