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How to migrate Domain Controller (Windows 2003 Server SP1) running on Compaq Proliant 1600 server to different hardware of desktop computer (in a lab)

For the purpose of testing some specific software we need to duplicate our domain controller (from production enviroment) to lab.
Is there any solution available for migrating W2k3 SP system with AD to a completely different hardware?
Regards
Robert

itcoza

A... easy one... Setup your new server (LABSVR) as an aditional DC on the domain. Make sure that it is completly replicated with the existing DC. You can also make it a GC at this point and make sure that this is also replicated (use replmon).

Once the server is replicated, unplug it from the domain.

In the Lab, you can now sease the the FSMO roles. You now have a complete replica of your domain.

In the live domain, you can remove the newly removed DC so that this domain is clean.
In the lab you can also remove all the other dc's that are not part of the lab.

Make sure you never plug this server back into the production network.

itcoza

You can also review Q_21387897 for more information: https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/21387897/Create-a-test-network.html

eatmeimadanish

If this is windows 2003, then follow http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324801

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Redwulf__53

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tomaskss

ASKER

..yeah but I forgot to mention, that adding additional DC to our existing production enviroment is not possible. there are global security policy which strictly prohibit this kind of experiment.. (otherwise I`m not boring you with this question)
I have tried to use Acronis Universal restore bootable CD to make a image file of existing DC. Thereafter I have restored it to desktop in a lab. During start up I selected "Directory restore mode" and logged into server successfully (using a special password setted by dcpromo procedure) . I did the update of all necessary drivers and restarted it again.
W2K3 server started normally but I`m not able to logon into this server. Non of existing domain admin accounts is working.
There are many error logs in Directory services event log related to inaccessibleness of Global Catalog server

Redwulf__53

Yeah, your method is a "quick-and-dirty" variation of my method. AD needs at least ONE global catalog when booting; was the original DC not a GC holder? If not, you will need to do the same trick again with another DC that IS a GC holder....

tomaskss

ASKER

I followed the instruction of Redwulf__53 but the test server didn`t boot.. with following message:"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupted: <windows>\system32\ntoskrnl.exe"
I have tryied to boot from Windows 2003 server CD but the installed operating system was not found and so full repair was not available...
any ideas how to continue?