Question

Active Directory Migration - Windows 2000 to Windows 2003 or 2008

Asked by: PKFIOM

I currently administer a Windows 2000 network running Active Directory within a single domain (1 master/primary domain controller and 2 back-up domain controllers) - various Windows 2000 / Windows 2003 member servers are also attached to the network.

The domain servers are also used to manage DHCP, DNS etc. and act as Print Servers as well

I want to look to upgrade (by installing new server hardware) the domain controllers to either Windows 2003 or Windows 2008 - three new servers are to be purchased to replace the existing kit

After reading around the subject on the Internet there seems to be many different ways to achive this goals - what is the best / safest way to migrate the AD (whilst retaining the same domain name), what pre-checks can be performed and what regression point are there if a section fails

Is there a definite guide out to achieve this process

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Asked On
2008-05-27 at 06:42:10ID23434749
Topics

Active Directory

,

Windows 2000 Server

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
3

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Answers

 

by: LauraEHunterMVPPosted on 2008-05-27 at 07:05:18ID: 21651968

[1] Prepare for either a 2003 or 2008 AD upgrade by following the checklist described here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325379

[2] If upgrading to 2003, follow the instructions for /forestprep and /domainprep listed in the above KB; if you are going straight to 2008, follow the steps here: http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/1d502209-cdb9-4e13-9a6c-57ad6c9d1e8b1033.mspx?mfr=true

[3] Add the 200[3|8] server as a member server in your 2000 domain. Once you have completed steps 1 & 2, run dcpromo to promote the first 2008 DC.

[4] Configure the 2008 DC as a GC, transfer FSMOs, modify client DNS settings as necessary.

 

by: leewPosted on 2008-05-27 at 07:45:07ID: 21652265

Regardless of what version of Windows you migrate to, make sure:
1.  You know the Directory Services Restore Mode Password (if not, RESET it and TEST IT).
2.  Perform a System State Backup of ALL DCs
3.  If you really want to be safe, setup a test network and try this first in an environment where it will NOT affect you.

I don't have any instructions/checklists for going to 2008, but I would suggest reviewing the links below for Migrating to 2003 (and it can't hurt to keep them in mind for 2008 - there will definitely be some differences, but there should also be a good number of similarities.  (Some of the links below might have been posted by Laura).

Common Mistakes When Upgrading a Windows 2000 Domain To a Windows 2003 Domain
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555040

How to upgrade Windows 2000 domain controllers to Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325379

[If using R2 release of Windows 2003] Extending Your Active Directory Schema for New Features in Windows Server 2003 R2
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=5B73CF03-84DD-480F-98F9-526EC09E9BA8&displaylang=en

Hotfixes to install before you run adprep /Forestprep on a Windows 2000 domain controller to prepare the Forest and domains for the addition of Windows Server 2003-based domain controllers
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=331161

Commodore.ca | Windows | How To Upgrade Windows 2000 Domain to Windows 2003 Server
Quote from the top of this article: "Several glossy Microsoft presenters have stated that all you need to do to complete a Windows 2003 Domain upgrade is run ADPREP and then upgrade away.  This may work for very small / simple environments but it is definitely not good advice for most companies.  After upgrading five servers in two unrelated domains and installing many fresh copies of 2003 I can say that I personally would not skip a single step in the process I have developed below."
http://www.commodore.ca/windows/windows_2003_upgrade.htm

Windows Server 2003 Upgrade Assistance Center
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/upgrading/nt4/upgradeassistance/default.mspx




Here are some links that should help you in replacing existing domain controllers and/or transferring services and Active Directory functions to another/new system:

How can I transfer some or all of the FSMO Roles from one DC to another?
http://www.petri.co.il/transferring_fsmo_roles.htm

How To Create or Move a Global Catalog in Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=313994

How to move a DHCP database from a computer that is running Windows NT Server 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows Server 2003 to a computer that is running Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=325473

How can I move a DHCP database from one server to another?
http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/13473/13473.html

How can I move DNS from one Windows 2000 Server to another Windows 2000 Server?
(Two Related if going 2000 to 2003 - read both before moving)
http://www.jsifaq.com/subG/TIP3300/rh3357.htm
http://www.jsifaq.com/SUBN/tip6700/rh6731.htm




Exchange Considerations:
[If you run Exchange 2000] Windows Server 2003 adprep /forestprep Command Causes Mangled Attributes in Windows 2000 Forests That Contain Exchange 2000 Servers
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=314649



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