Upgrading from WSS 2.0 to 3.0

Microsoft provides three approaches for upgrading from WSS 2.0 to WSS 3.0. More here.

If you are installing WSS 3.0 on a different server than the existing WSS 2.0, the only approach available is the “Database Migration”. This approach is considered "advanced" and requires additional steps. If you have a WSS 2.0 that has not been customized, this seems likes overkill for such a simple upgrade.

The following approach lets WSS do some of the behind the scenes work for you. This approach has WSS 3.0 creating the files needed for a new Web application and configuring IIS.

SUMMARY: 

• Using Central Administration, create a new Web application in WSS 3.0 
  
  
  
  • Create with all of the “production” values desired EXCEPT create a temporary content database. 


• Using STSADM, attach the V2 content (which WSS 3.0 will upgrade to V3) . 


• Using Central Administration, remove the temporary database. 

DETAILS:

• Install WSS 3.0 on the new server (if you have not already done so)


• Copy the WSS 2.0 content database to the database you wish to use for 3.0
  
  
  
  • (copy MyContent2 to MyContent3). 


• Using WSS 3.0 Application Management:
  
  
  
  • Create a new Web Application         
    
    
    
    • Create new IIS Web site with a temporary database
    
    
    • Database Name : wss_Portal_Temp (this database will be deleted, you must use a name of a database that does not already exist when creating a new Web application) 


• Attaching content from WSS v2
  
  
  
  • Verify the SetupService account is a dbowner for the  MyContent3  database
  
  
  • Run stsadm
    
    
    
    • stsadm –o addcontentdb –url http://wss/ -databaseserver MyWSSServerName –databasename MyContent3
    
    
    • This might run a while if you have a large database
  
  
  • Review log file: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\web server extensions\12\LOGS\Upgrade.log
  
  
  • Review the Application event log on the WSS 3.0 server


• Using WSS 3.0 Central Administration remove the temporary database
  
  
  
  • Application Management tab
  
  
  • SharePoint Web Application Management section
  
  
  • Content Databases Link
  
  
  • In the “Manage Content Databases”
    
    
    
    • Select desired web application in the Web Application dropdown
    
    
    • Click the link for the Temporary Database
    
    
    • In the “Manage Content Database Settings”
      
      
      
      • scroll to the last section and check “Remove Content Database”
      
      
      • Click “OK”