You are preparing to upgrade a Windows NT Server 4.0 computer to Windows 2000 Server. You have obtained upgrade packs for several server applications that are already installed on this computer. At what point in the overall upgrade process should you apply these application upgrade packs?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines best practices for upgrading server applications when moving from Windows NT Server 4.0 to Windows 2000 Server. Operating system upgrades and application upgrades have different scopes. You must understand the recommended order of operations to minimise compatibility issues and simplify troubleshooting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The current operating system is Windows NT Server 4.0.
• You plan to upgrade the OS to Windows 2000 Server.
• Several server applications are installed and you have Windows 2000 compatible upgrade packs for them.
• You want a stable and supported configuration after the upgrade.

Concept / Approach:
The recommended approach is to upgrade the operating system first and then apply application specific upgrade packs that are designed for the new OS version. Doing the OS upgrade first ensures that the core environment matches the requirements expected by the application upgrade kits. Applying application upgrades before changing the operating system can result in unsupported or unstable combinations if those upgrades expect Windows 2000 APIs and components that are not yet present.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Plan the upgrade path, starting with the base OS and then addressing applications.Step 2: Perform the in place upgrade from Windows NT Server 4.0 to Windows 2000 Server.Step 3: After confirming that the operating system upgrade is successful, apply the application upgrade packs one by one, testing each.Step 4: Verify that upgraded applications operate correctly in the Windows 2000 environment.

Verification / Alternative check:
Microsoft and application vendor documentation typically state that application upgrade packs are designed to be applied to systems that already run the target operating system version. This order reduces complexity and simplifies rollback if problems occur. Exam training materials for Windows 2000 Server highlight the principle of upgrading the OS first and then addressing installed applications.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a, upgrading applications before the OS, can lead to mismatched environments where application changes expect Windows 2000 features that are not present on NT 4.0. Option b, applying upgrades during Setup, is not supported and is practically impossible. Option d claims timing does not matter, which ignores compatibility concerns. Option e suggests uninstalling all applications and not applying necessary upgrades, which is unnecessary and counterproductive.

Common Pitfalls:
Administrators sometimes rush to install new application versions or patches before completing the operating system migration. This can make it difficult to diagnose issues, as problems may originate from either the OS or the application changes. Following a controlled sequence of OS upgrade followed by application upgrade packages helps isolate problems and ensures supportability.

Final Answer:
You should first complete the upgrade to Windows 2000 Server and then apply the application upgrade packs afterward so they are installed into the correct operating system environment.