I am thinking of upgrading my forest root from 2K3 R2 32-bit to 2K8 x64. Yes, I know you can't do an in place upgrade between architectures.
I already have one 2K8 box as the domain controller of a child domain in the forest so ADPrep /forestprep has already been done.
I assume I will also have to run adprep /domainprep and adprep /gpprep as well now. 2K8 adprep did some very sneaky changes to my DNS so I'm not as trusting as I first was about this process. Especially because I didn't find any documentation about the DNS changes on Microsoft's site.
My questions:
1) Has anyone had experience upgrading their forest root to 2K8 and are there any tips, precautions, etc you found that weren't in any of the white papers?
2) What is the best way to do the upgrade from 2K3 R2 x86 to 2K8 x64?
A) Backup server, wipe, install 2K8, and migrate
B) Install 2K8 on another box and DCPROMO it and move the roles over. Then wipe the original forest root and install 2K8 and promote it.
C) Easier, safer way?
I planned on adding another DC to forest root for AD / DNS redundancy anyway and it is all ready to go.
Thanks
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