Question

Transfer AD Schema Master from Server 2000 to Server 2008

Asked by: canuck_nate

I have spent hours looking at various posts, reading MS technical bulletins, etc. and I can't come to a conclusion on if it's safe to transfer the Schema Master FSMO from Server 2000 to 2008.

My domain consists of several servers ranging from MS Server 2000 to 2008. My current exchange server (2000) is running on Server 2000, which is also one of the DC and currently holds the Schema Master. I have another DC running Server 2003 and it holds the GC. The new server is running 2008 R2 and I successfully have installed the AD DS role on it, promoted it to DC and have transferred the DNM, PDC, RIM. Now I am debating if I can move the Schema Master role to here to continue with my exchange 2007 deployment.

Is this possible or do I need to get rid of the 2000 server first? And then move the Schema Master to Server 2003?

In the end (hopefully in the next 6 weeks) I will only have server 2008 AD DS running, not sure if this will make a difference in any recommended solutions.

Cheers

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Asked On
2009-11-05 at 14:13:39ID24876309
Tags

AD

,

Schema Master

,

FSMO

,

Server 2008

Topics

Active Directory

,

Exchange Email Server

,

Computer Servers

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
4

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Answers

 

by: mkline71Posted on 2009-11-05 at 14:16:21ID: 25754670

Yes you can transfer the schema master role from the 2000 to 2008 box...no different than what you did with the other roles.

You can always move them back too...fsmo roles being transferred are not a permanent move that can't be undone.

Thanks

Mike

 

by: SatyaPathakPosted on 2009-11-05 at 17:09:10ID: 25755879

There are a few ways to use NTDSUTIL tool.

 

"From the 2008 DC, run ntdsutil from a command prompt
"type ROLES and then enter
"type CO and then enter
"type CO TO SERVER <your2008dcname> and then enter
"type Q and then enter
"type TRANS SC MA and then enter
"you will be prompted with a GUI box whether you want to transfer the schema FSMO to that DC, click Yes
"Q and then enter
"Q and then enter

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/winserverMigration/thread/ed4efb61-26d2-4861-bce1-72e5654e0e7f

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/kbase/WindowsTips/Windows2000/AdminTips/ActiveDirectory/Windows2000DomainControllerOperationsMasterRoles.html

If you are not able to transfer a schema master role, you can seize a role.

 

by: AwinishPosted on 2009-11-06 at 03:52:57ID: 25758322

On 2000 dc reg schema using below cmd on ur Role holder dc

regsvr32 schmmgmt.dll

Open MMC & add schema snap in using below link

http://www.petri.co.il/determining_fsmo_role_holders.htm

It's an incredibly simply procedure, which hasn't changed much as Windows has  advanced. This article is for Server 2003, but it applies to Server 2008:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324801.

But don't sieze the schema role on other server,if you sieze the role you have to bring down the server i.e your win 2000 server.

 

by: canuck_natePosted on 2009-11-06 at 07:41:45ID: 31650774

mkline71,
Thanks for the clarification, I transferred it late last night and it's been stable so far.

Cheers,

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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