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Restrictions on rolling upgrades

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Restrictions on rolling upgrades

There are several basic restrictions to the rolling-upgrade process. The most basic restrictions are as follows:

  • You can perform a rolling upgrade only if you are upgrading from Windows 2000 on the cluster nodes. You cannot perform a rolling upgrade if you are upgrading from Windows NT Server 4.0, Enterprise Edition.

  • You cannot mix x86-based and Itanium-based computers within the same cluster. Also, you cannot mix x86-based and x64-based computers within the same cluster. Therefore, you cannot perform a rolling upgrade from an x86-based computer to either an Itanium-based or x64-based computer.

The remaining restrictions involve the beginning of Phase 3, in which you operate a mixed-version cluster: a cluster in which the nodes run different versions of the operating system. In order for a mixed-version cluster to work, the different versions of the software running on each node must be prepared to communicate with one another. This requirement leads to several basic restrictions on the rolling-upgrade process.

  • For a successful rolling upgrade, every resource that the cluster manages must be capable of a rolling upgrade. For more information, see Resource behavior during rolling upgrades.

  • During the mixed-version phase of a rolling upgrade, when the cluster nodes are running different versions of the operating system, do not change the settings of resources (for example, do not change the settings of a printer resource). Also, do not make any changes to the quorum resource.

  • During the mixed-version phase of a rolling upgrade, minor problems might occur. We recommend that you complete the upgrade rather than trying to troubleshoot symptoms. Completing the upgrade might correct the problems.

If the preceding restrictions cannot be met, do not perform a rolling upgrade. For more information, see Alternatives to rolling upgrades.