How do I install Windows Server 2003 R2 on an existing Windows 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) server?

A. If you're installing Windows 2003 R2 on an existing Windows 2003 server with SP1 installed, you require only the second R2 CD-ROM. Insert the second CD and the r2auto.exe will display the Windows 2003 R2 Continue Setup screen.

If you're installing R2 on a domain controller (DC), you must first upgrade the schema to the R2 version (this is a minor change and mostly related to the new Dfs replication engine). To update the schema, run the Adprep utility, which you'll find in the Cmpnentsr2adprep folder on the second CD-ROM. Before running this command, ensure all DCs are running Windows 2003 or Windows 2000 with SP2 (or later). Here's a sample execution of the Adprep /forestprep command:

D:CMPNENTSR2ADPREP>adprep /forestprepADPREP WARNING:Before running adprep, all Windows 2000 domain controllers in the forest should be upgraded to Windows 2000 Service Pack 1 (SP1) with QFE 265089, or to Windows 2000 SP2 (or later).QFE 265089 (included in Windows 2000 SP2 and later) is required to prevent potential domain controller corruption.For more information about preparing your forest and domain see KB article Q331161 at http://support.microsoft.com.[User Action]If ALL your existing Windows 2000 domain controllers meet this requirement, typeC and then press ENTER to continue. Otherwise, type any other key and press ENTER to quit.COpened Connection to SAVDALDC01SSPI Bind succeededCurrent Schema Version is 30Upgrading schema to version 31Connecting to "SAVDALDC01"Logging in as current user using SSPIImporting directory from file "C:WINDOWSsystem32sch31.ldf"Loading entries...........................................................................................................139 entries modified successfully.The command has completed successfullyAdprep successfully updated the forest-wide information.

After running Adprep, install R2 by performing these steps: