Question

Migrating Domain Controllers

Asked by: wcutech

I have inherited a server to administrate that currently is a DNS, DHCP, Print, and File server in addition to also being the domain controller. I want to separate these roles to provide more fault tolerance. I plan to purchase 2 servers which will become the primary and secondary domain controllers / DNS servers. Once moving the other services off of it, I plan for the old server to function strictly as the file and print server. I would also plan to set up the two new servers as DHCP servers using the 80 / 20 method.

I'm thinking I will do the following, but would really appreciate some input, or any links to articles:

1. First add the two new servers as secondary domain controllers
2. Promote one of the new domain controllers to become the Primary DC
3. Remove the domain controller role from the original server so that it now is only a file and print server.

I have simplified that plan for the sake of keeping the question relatively short, but just need to know if I'm on the right track.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

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Asked On
2009-10-14 at 15:43:17ID24813230
Tags

Windows Server 2003

,

Secondary Domain Controller

,

Active Directory

Topics

Windows 2003 Server

,

Active Directory

,

Microsoft Server

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
2

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Answers

 

by: Netman66Posted on 2009-10-14 at 16:32:40ID: 25576205

1)  All Domain Controllers since Windows 2000 are peers.  Some will hold FSMO roles but they are all equivalent from the Directory perspective.

2)  Again, no such thing.  You will move the 5 FSMO roles to it - unless you have more than one domain in this Forest and then keep the Infrastructure Master role off of a Global Catalog.

Incidently, don't forget to make one or more of the new DCs Global Catalogs!

3)  Run DCPROMO to remove AD from that one server - DO NOT select that it's the last DC in the forest!!

Other than that, when DNS is installed it will build from the other DNS server.  DHCP will need to be either backed up and restored or created from scratch,

 

by: iseejunkPosted on 2009-10-14 at 20:39:01ID: 25577030

Yes you are on the right track.
-Adding the two new domain controllers to existing domain will replicate AD info between 3 DC servers.
-Install DNS AD intergrated or let the dcpromo process install for you on the two new DC. Open DNS MMC to confirm DNS replicated
-Enable Global Catalog
-Enable DNS forwarders
-Review FSMO placement and optimization on Active Directory domain controllers http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223346
-Transfer roles: How to view and transfer FSMO roles in Windows Server 2003 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324801
-Install DHCP on the two new DC, create scopes for MS 80/20 or 50/50 if IP address scheme large enough.Disable DHCP on old server & enable on new servers.
-Give enough time for everything to replicate
-DCPROMO to remove AD from that one server- Basically everything Netman66 said but with alittle more detail.


 

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