A method for configuring an upgraded administrative module computer is provided. A standard hardware and software configuration for the upgraded administrative module computer is defined. An equipment configuration database is created that may be utilized by the upgraded administrative module computer to configure itself in accordance with the standard hardware and software configuration. The equipment configuration database is transmitted to a downlevel administrative module computer. Data stored on the downlevel computer system is migrated to an upgraded administrative module computer. The equipment configuration database is utilized to configure the upgraded administrative module computer according to the standard hardware and software configuration.