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Server Upgrade Strategy
Server Upgrade Strategy
Learn how we upgraded DC, File Server, Database Server, and App Server for a Texas healthcare client running end-of-life OS on malware-infected hardware — in just 2.5 weeks.
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Business Problem
The healthcare client's DC servers were infected with malware and running an end-of-sale/end-of-life OS — creating both a security emergency and a compliance risk. File Server, Database Server, and App Server were all running on the same hardware, compounding risk. Urgent uplift to modern OS was required without losing patient records or application data.
Our Solution
We provisioned new Windows Server 2019 hardware in parallel, cleaned and migrated all critical data, rebuilt each server role sequentially, and performed OS hardening before go-live. Malware-infected hardware was safely decommissioned after successful parallel-run validation.
Project Plan
1
Emergency Threat Containment
Isolated infected DCs from the network. Ran full malware scan and identified infection vector. Preserved all AD data and SYSVOL for safe migration to new hardware.
2
Provisioned new Windows Server 2019 machines for each role: Domain Controller, File Server, Database, and App Server. Configured roles and features before any data transfer.
3
Data Migration & Validation
Migrated AD schema, file shares, SQL databases, and application configs to new servers. Row counts, share permissions, and application smoke tests validated at each step.
4
OS Hardening & Go-Live
Applied CIS Level 1 hardening benchmarks to all new servers. Ran antivirus, patched to latest CU, and performed final penetration test before going live.
Outcomes
4
Servers
DC, File, DB, App — all upgraded
0
%
Data loss across all server roles
2.5
wks
Emergency upgrade completed
"The situation was serious — active malware on two servers and all four running end-of-life OS. Inputiv came in, scoped it fast, and delivered a sequenced upgrade plan that kept services running throughout. CIS hardening on every box at the end. Client is now one of our most stable environments."
— CTO · MSP, Texas
Tech Stack
Windows Server 2019
SQL Server
CIS Hardening
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Project Details
Servers upgraded
4 (DC, File, DB, App)
Trigger
Malware + EOSL OS
Delivery model
Fixed-cost project
Running end-of-life servers?
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Inputiv
Expert helpdesk & project support for MSPs across the US and Australia. SOC 2 Type 2 certified.
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Certified · Accorp Partners CPA LLC · Oct 2025