Server 2008 upgrade to 2012

Question

I have a Server 2008 that was taken offline. However it has software and data that needs to be accessed.

I will only need this server for a few months but less plan on a year.

So to put it on the network what is the simplest solution?
* upgrade only to Server 2012 (if that software is available)
* or can I upgrade to Server 2019 without loosing the application(s) and data?

the application is retired but its data contains important information (read that accounts with money still owed thats not in the new system)

I have a Server 2012 and a Server 2016 on the network.

Thanks.

Answer 1

It can be but is not a recommended solution. Clean install and migrate is a better option.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/upgrade/upgrade-overview#which-version-of-windows-server-should-i-upgrade-to

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

Hello @Darryl ,

If you want to keep the same hardware and all the server roles you've already set up without flattening the server, you'll want to do an in-place upgrade.

An in-place upgrade allows you to go from an older operating system to a newer one while keeping your settings, server roles, and data intact.

The below article helps you to move from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012 R2.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/upgrade/upgrade-2008r2-to-2012r2

Hope this answers all your queries, if not please do repost back.
If an Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it : )

Regards,