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So I'm putting together a new server. I'm running SBS 2008 right now. How hard is it to Migrate to SBS 2011 or should I just stick which 2008. Also, which version of 2011 do you guys recommend? Last question, if I just stick with 2008, do I just install it on the new machine then hook up my USB drive I do my backup on and then run a restore wizard or something?

Thanks!

SBS 2011 is the end of that migration path. There is no equivalent that has Exchange, SharePoint, and all the other goodies.

I would advise sticking with SBS 2008. It's not worth the effort to move to SBS 2011 to get only three more years of support. Sometime around 2016 or something, you may wish to look at moving to native media of whatever is the latest and greatest at the time.

SBS 2008 is supported until 2018.

JamesNT

Does the 2011 have anything special to offer that 2008 does not?

Not really. Mainly has upgraded versions of Exchange and SharePoint. Built on the same architecture as Server 2008R2/Windows 7 while SBS 2008 was from the Server 2008/Vista Generation. I would just stick with SBS 2008 unless your server is aging and you want to get a fresh start.

So do I just install 2008 on the new machine and plug my usb backup in the port and restore?

You're doing a migration not a restoration. If you want to move SBS 2008* to new hardware, you'll need to do a Migration.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc664208%28v=ws.10%29.aspx

Remember OEM licenses are tied to the hardware so if you move to new hardware it will not activate.

*Fixed to say SBS 2008. It's still a migration.

I mean if I don't go to sbs 2011 and stay with 2008 but with new hardware.

Nevermind, the link you put in there was for 2008.

the license I got was from Microsoft Action Pack, is that a OEM license?

Scott,

No, it isn't. You'll be fine. Just make sure you have only one installation going at a time.

JamesNT

That is a retail license.

lol. ok. So I install on new server, plug in the USB drive and restore it? Do I do the restore during the installation or from the desktop once it is installed? Sorry for all the questions. I just remember the installation being a bear and I don't want to have to do it twice.

If you want to migrate, you'll have both attached to the same network. Basically you put the new one in migration mode and move the roles over one by one. That document I sent you is the official documentation to migrate SBS 2008 to new hardware. It has step-by-step instructions. It should be noted that things don't always go smoothly. That's why a lot of people hire professionals.

However, what you're suggesting is a backup and restore to new hardware. Which could also work. Another option is to run Disk2VHD or SCVMM and virtualize your existing installation. Then you can move it to new hardware too. These methods would basically clone your existing installation. Some people also backup and restore into a virtual machine. Backup and restore was designed to move to new hardware so that last option may be the simplest method.