Win2k3 Enterprise Server Cluster with Win2k Advanced Server, possible?

[RiceARoni]

Let me run you thru how this needs to work.

We currently have a NT4 DC and would like to replace it with a new Dell we have ordered.
We would then like to take the old server and install Win2K Advanced Server on it and add it to the 2k3 cluster as a backup server.

How to proceed:
Install NT4 on new dell server
Promote new dell to PDC and demote current PDC to BDC
Let user accounts, etc replicate
Copy data in shared folders to new server as same directory stucture as old server
Upgrade New Dell (PDC) to Win2k3 Enterprise
Upgrade Old Server (BDC) to Win2k Advanced Server
Create cluster service

My question is will Win2k Advanced Server work with Win2k3's cluster service?

Thanks in advance for any help anyone might have!

 

[MrChad]

I'm pretty sure 2003 clusters only work if every server in the cluster is running 2003 Data Center or 2003 Enterprise edition.

 

[RiceARoni]

Can I start a 2k cluster on the 2k server if it isn't a DC? If so then maybe 2k3 would be backward compatiable with a 2k cluster.

Off for more research.

 

[spyordie007]

I would think it could be possible; but have never tried.

If you're creating a new cluster why not set them up so they are all running the same version? Seems like a lot of extra headache to try and get differant versions running together like this.

In all the clusters I've done I've always used the same OS version on all the nodes.

 

[RiceARoni]

Mainly because the hardware, ie the cpu and memory is lower on the old server. THe new server is Dual 3ghz Xeons, w/ 2GB ram and the old server is dual p3 866's with 1gb ram. If I have to I will put 2k3 on the old server.

 

[RiceARoni]

Looks like I can have a 2k3 node join a 2k cluster Click me

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: RiceARoni
Mainly because the hardware, ie the cpu and memory is lower on the old server. THe new server is Dual 3ghz Xeons, w/ 2GB ram and the old server is dual p3 866's with 1gb ram. If I have to I will put 2k3 on the old server.

The hardware requirements for the two OSes are not a signifigant differance. Your application is where the hardware horsepower is going to end up (as it should). I would still run 2K3 on both of them.

 

[mikecel79]

I'm willing to bet this is NOT supported by Microsoft either. So don't call them when it doesn't work.

I have to ask though why are you setting up a DC as a cluster? There's a KB article on running a DC in a cluster. While supported it's not really recommended.

Also don't forget you need to license each node in the cluster with it's own OS.

 

[spyordie007]

I have to ask though why are you setting up a DC as a cluster? There's a KB article on running a DC in a cluster. While supported it's not really recommended.

Not to mention unnecisary considering the way directory services works.