Q. Our IT support person tells us that our seven-year-old server, running Microsoft Server 2003, has a problem: one of the disk drives has failed. He recommends a new server rather than replacing the hard drive. What do you think?

A. Yes, you should replace the server and update the operating system to Microsoft Server 2012. In fact, from the information you provide, I would say it is urgent that you do so. If your remaining server hard drive fails you will lose your patient data on the server and be reliant on your backup for a restore of your data. Windows Server 2003 support is ending on July 14, 2015, so Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for any version of Windows Server 2013 after this date. So get yourself a new server, with an updated server operating system and enough memory and hard disk space for your practice size. While you are at it, ask your IT support person to check that your data backup system is fit for purpose. If the data backup is also seven years old then it too may need updating. Also ask him to check that the uninterruptable power supply (UPS) is fit for purpose. I know this is going to cost you and that money is tight. But the consequences of a server failure and data loss are catastrophic for the practice and your patients. It will cost you much more if you do nothing.