Network Admin Question

I have a small office LAN running a simple file server using MS Server 2012 Essentials.
The server holds company files and 2 programs that are used in (1) Estimating & (2) Program Management/Accounting.

Lan consists of the following -
9 desktops running Win 7 Pro on Active Domain
3 networked printers
3 unmanaged gigabit switches
1 wireless router w/firewall that acts as DHCP

I need to upgrade 1 program that is the backbone program management and accounting application for the company.
It currently runs on a pervasive database engine.
The upgrade requires going to SQL server for the PM/Accounting program.
The upgrade also requires a server software upgrade

I am looking at the following server software options:
Server 2012 R2 Essentials or Server 2016 Essentials (Do not need CALs with these servers.)
Also using SQL Express rather than standard SQL program.

My options -
1) Since I have only one server, my migration option is out unless someone can give me an scenario.
2) Copy files to external hard drive for holding while upgarding existing server.
3) Install programs and copy files back onto "new" server from external.

Question -
1) Should I take all the desktops off the active domain before upgrading server and add them back after upgrade?
2) Any other pitfalls that I should look out for?
3) Any comments on server software options or using SQL Express?

TIA

 

Seeing the PM/Accounting program is quite large, and forms an integral part for the domain, would serving it from a seperate/dedicated node (as part of a cluster) be an option?
This could be then done under the 'migration' procedure supported in 2016, from an older version??
May alleviate the issue of using extra hardware and time consuming file/program copying/installation.

If you need the file system directory undisturbed and continued serving whilst the upgrade is being performed then a Cluster OS rolling upgrade is also an option but im not sure if this can be done without having R2 installed first?

Rep

 

Serving from a separate node would be a possibility if I can get the boss to spring for another server.

I was planning on doing the upgrade on a weekend so no one will be in the system. (Or at least tell them it is unavailable that weekend.)

 

Hehe, know what you mean.....tell the boss its upgrading the business from a tech view

If not, then I would do what you suggested earlier lbmest, with the backup on external for a clean pair of heels!

Rep

 

If you haven't already, consider making an image backup .....if the install somehow goes south, then at least server configs are saved as well as data!

 

An update.

Took the entire last weekend to get everything switched over and the new domain up and running.
Installed the old accounting version and everyone was back up and running by Monday afternoon.

Migrated the old accounting data to the new version yesterday starting at 8 AM and everyone was running by 1 PM with just a couple of hitches that the accounting program help desk solved.

I am never doing a server replacement without migrating ever again.

 

I wish I could have been there to help you. I've always wanted to learn more about setting up and running servers. Glad you got it all working.