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Upgrade Windows 2000 AD to Windows 2008 on new machines in a WAN

I have a Windows 2000 AD network with two AD servers over a WAN. Can I add two new boxes with Server 2008 and use forest prep and domain prep to move the AD to the new machines, or will I need to use ADMT to create a new domain and migrate the data over?

Also, I am planning on upgrading from Exchange 2000 to Exchange 2007. Should I do that before or after the AD migration?

Brian Pierce

Unless i'm much mistaken you cannot add a 2008 machine as a DC on a 2000 Domain, the domain must be Server 2003 and running at the 2003 functional level.

Darius Ghassem

You can have a 2000 Domain with the 2008 server as a DC but you must do the adprep and forestprep before promoting them. I would demote the 2000 DCs when you get the 2008 DCs up and running but make sure you give enough time to replicate AD.

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Brian Pierce

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Brian Pierce

Third line "First you need to Adprep your 2003 Domain by running"
should be "First you need to Adprep your 2000 Domain by running"

Darius Ghassem

KCTS I knew you would post your instructions. You and tiggermatt's I use all the time. There is know point of writing one for myself if you guys have perfected them.

larry

ASKER

Thanks! Any insight as to whether I should upgrade Exchange before or after AD?

Darius Ghassem

There is one more tip. Make sure you use the correct bit verison for the adprep and forestprep. For an example use the 32-bit for the 32-bit OS and 64-bit for the 64-bit OSs. Even if your 2008 server is 64-bit you must still use the 32-bit for a 32-bit OS like your 2000 x86 server. This is a common mistake when people upgrade to 2008 x64.