--- title: "You Can’t Afford To Wait Any Longer: It’s Time to Upgrade from Windows Server 2003" description: "You Can’t Afford To Wait Any Longer: It’s Time to Upgrade from Windows Server 2003" image: https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Windows-2003-Server-Upgrades.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/you-cant-afford-to-wait-any-longer-its-time-to-upgrade-from-windows-server-2003#main-content) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) - [Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) - [Services *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) - Example Link - Example Link - Example Link [*Facebook*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/you-cant-afford-to-wait-any-longer-its-time-to-upgrade-from-windows-server-2003#0) [*Instagram*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/you-cant-afford-to-wait-any-longer-its-time-to-upgrade-from-windows-server-2003#0) [*LinkedIn*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/you-cant-afford-to-wait-any-longer-its-time-to-upgrade-from-windows-server-2003#0) [*Twitter*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/you-cant-afford-to-wait-any-longer-its-time-to-upgrade-from-windows-server-2003#0) [*Youtube*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/you-cant-afford-to-wait-any-longer-its-time-to-upgrade-from-windows-server-2003#0) [*Medium*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/you-cant-afford-to-wait-any-longer-its-time-to-upgrade-from-windows-server-2003#0) 2 min read # You Can’t Afford To Wait Any Longer: It’s Time to Upgrade from Windows Server 2003 [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : May 29, 2015, 10:25:31 AM [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) ## It’s time to stop dragging your feet. Stop procrastinating and just do it, already. ![Windows 2003 Server Upgrades](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Windows-2003-Server-Upgrades.jpg?width=509&height=339&name=Windows-2003-Server-Upgrades.jpg) We’re talking, or course, about ditching Windows Server 2003 (Win2K3) and migrating to a more modern operating system. In less than a month you won’t have much of a choice: Starting **July 14, 2015**, Microsoft will no longer provide extended support for Win2K3 (mainstream support ended way back in 2010). **What End of Support Means** Win2K3 isn’t just going to disappear at midnight when July 14 turns to July 15. No, that’s not how it works. You can still use Win2K3 if you so choose. There are a few stubborn people out there running Windows NT 4, so Win2K3 use will probably linger around in some networks for a few more years… The problem is that Microsoft will no longer provide free patches for Win2K3 to fix new vulnerabilities. If you really wanted to, you could *pay* for patches, or you could invest in other [cybersecurity](https://www.ontimetech.com/blog/cybersecurity-services/) technologies to compensate for the lack of free patches… but at that point, why not just invest in a faster, more reliable, and more secure OS if you’re investing anyway? **Common Migration Mistakes** Migrating to a new OS can be a real hassle. Here are just a few of the mistakes people commonly make when they take a DIY approach to Windows server migration: - **The Hardware Factor:** when you’re shucking away your old OS, it might be necessary to upgrade your hardware as well. A lot of users are hesitant to invest in new hardware, but if you try to get by with old equipment you might find the end result painfully slow. Don’t make the mistake the mistake of forgetting just how much storage requirements and performance expectations have changed since 2003. - **To Cloud, or Not to Cloud?** Okay, this isn’t a “mistake” per se, but it’s a decision you’ll have to make in an area that you don’t have much expertise in. There is no way to jump right to the cloud-based Windows Server 2012 R2 from Win2K3 – you’d have to migrate to 2008 first, and then over to 2012 R2. Should you just stick with 2008, or does it make more sense long-term to take it one step further and go all the way to 2012? - **The Dreaded Active Directory:** those who do go all the way to 2012 need to be very careful when they’re dealing with the active directory, as this is an area has proven to be especially problematic. Make a mistake here and you’ll find yourself dealing with frustrating application failures and network lockouts later on. Having a professional IT expert to hold your hand through this process will save you a lot of time and ensure you don’t make any mistakes that will come back to bite you in the future. Also, after migration, {company} will stick around and provide ongoing support for whatever OS you decide to migrate to. **Contact us at {phone} or {email} for more information about our Windows Server migration services.** - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![BusinessOwnerGuidetoM&A-1](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png?width=303&height=209&name=BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png) #### Download our eBook*THE ULTIMATE ROADMAP TO CMMC COMPLIANCE* by filling out the form below! [![The Long-Awaited iPhone 6 Will Be Here Sooner Than You Think – Here’s What You Can Expect!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/187625854.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/the-long-awaited-iphone-6-will-be-here-sooner-than-you-think-heres-what-you-can-expect) #### [The Long-Awaited iPhone 6 Will Be Here Sooner Than You Think – Here’s What You Can Expect!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/the-long-awaited-iphone-6-will-be-here-sooner-than-you-think-heres-what-you-can-expect) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : May 12, 2014, 12:41:32 PM While the iPhone 5S is less than six months old, there’s been a lot of rumors about its replacement. And if previous versions are any indication, the... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/the-long-awaited-iphone-6-will-be-here-sooner-than-you-think-heres-what-you-can-expect) [![Apple Can’t Seem To Get It Right! iOS 8.0.1 Plagued With Issues](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/iphone-ios81.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/apple-cant-seem-to-get-it-right-ios-8-0-1-plagued-with-issues) #### [Apple Can’t Seem To Get It Right! iOS 8.0.1 Plagued With Issues](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/apple-cant-seem-to-get-it-right-ios-8-0-1-plagued-with-issues) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Sep 24, 2014, 3:00:16 PM It hasn’t even been one week since Apple rolled out their latest version of the iPhone and iPad operating system, iOS 8, and already we have its... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/apple-cant-seem-to-get-it-right-ios-8-0-1-plagued-with-issues) [![7 Ways Cyber Security can be Improved with Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/GettyImages-909025844.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/7-ways-cyber-security-can-be-improved-with-managed-it-services) #### [7 Ways Cyber Security can be Improved with Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/7-ways-cyber-security-can-be-improved-with-managed-it-services) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Nov 23, 2018, 12:27:22 PM How Managed IT Services can Improve Cyber Security According to BusinessWire, 4.5 billion records were compromised during the first part of 2018.... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/7-ways-cyber-security-can-be-improved-with-managed-it-services) ![OTT White logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VN%20-%20Division%20Logos/OTT%20Logo/OTT%20White%20logo.png?width=524&height=140&name=OTT%20White%20logo.png)   ##### About About On Time Tech is an IT Support and Computer Services company serving California. We provide services to the areas in and around We know businesses like yours need technology support in order to run highly-effective organizations. Leverage pro-growth technology services for your company now. ##### Explore On Time Time Explore On Time Time - [Our Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [About](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Contact](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/contact/) ##### Contact Contact **San Francisco:** 1717 Fifth Ave San Rafael, CA 94901 [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) Business Hours: M-F: 8AM-9PM - [Privacy Policy](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/privacy-policy/) © 2026 On Time Tech [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/ontimetechsf/)[*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/on_time_tech?lang=en)[*LinkedIn*](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontimetech/)[*YouTube*](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCubqs9PU_WWF-RFhfK9xNpw) [![Alura White logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VN%20-%20Division%20Logos/Alura%20White%20logo.png?width=295&height=115&name=Alura%20White%20logo.png)](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/) [![Next.I.T._White-Logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Next.I.T._White-Logo.png?width=328&height=136&name=Next.I.T._White-Logo.png)](https://next-it.net/) [![White-OTT-Logo-1-768x253](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/White-OTT-Logo-1-768x253.png?width=313&height=103&name=White-OTT-Logo-1-768x253.png)](https://www.ontimetech.com/) [![Valeo-Logo-White (1)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Valeo-Logo-White%20(1).png?width=288&height=123&name=Valeo-Logo-White%20(1).png)](https://valeonetworks.com/) *Return to Top* ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lance Stone", "url" : "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin" }, "dateModified" : "2024-01-10T16:37:42.309Z", "datePublished" : "2015-05-29T14:25:31.000Z", "headline" : "You Can’t Afford To Wait Any Longer: It’s Time to Upgrade from Windows Server 2003", "image" : [ "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Windows-2003-Server-Upgrades.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/you-cant-afford-to-wait-any-longer-its-time-to-upgrade-from-windows-server-2003", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/OTT%20-%20Color%20Logo.png" }, "name" : "Valeo Networks" } } ```