Windows “In-Place” upgrade from 2003 to 2008 Server for SAP System

Upgrade SAP System OS from Windows 2003 to Windows 2008:

I have upgraded OS of a SAP System 7.0 ABAP stack system based on Windows 2003 Standard Server x64 edition to Windows 2008 Standard server x64 edition on “In Place upgrade” process.  I have also upgraded Windows OS from 2003 to Windows 2008 of a SAP Enterprise Portal 7.3 version following same process.

Here is an existing SAP system 7.0 based on Windows 2003 Server x64 Edition.

Here are steps I have followed and it has worked for me.  I have upgraded 8 SAP systems with following approach and developer have tested it.

1. Read SAP Note 1494740 – SAP System Migration from Older Windows Releases to Newer Ones.
2. Take a backup of database / vmware image backup.
3. Shutdown SAP system & oracle database.
4. Shutdown all SAP & Oracle services and disable it. (This will prevent to start service during OS upgrade).
5. Take backup of “services” file from c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc folder.
6. Rename current machine as _old.
7. Pending available C drive space either clone machine or convert to add more space.
8. Attached ISO and proceed with upgrade to Server 08.
9. Once complete may have to reset IP address and set proper Vlan assignment
10. Delete _old image once verified upgrade is working.
11. Restore original “services” file.
12. Change all disabled services to enable and start it.
13. Open MMC and start SAP.
14. Login and use transaction SM28, SM21 etc. to check SAP System.

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