Install Windows server 2008 on the FSMO role holder
Hello guys and as always thanks for your time and expertise. I want to upgrade our FSMO role holder from 2003 standard to 2008 server enterprise edition. We are a single domain enviornment and all of the Domain Controllers are GCs. I will do this off hrs so as not to cause any problems. Additionally the server hardware is a poweredge 2950 which seems in line with the upgrae on the windows server catalog page. If I do this off hrs, should I be fine or would you recommend transferring the roles. Please let me know your opinions and recommendations for this. The expert advice is always greatly appreciated.
snusgubben
I would transfer the FSMO's, then upgrade. If anything goes wrong you don't have to sieze the roles.
I agree. You should either transfer the roles and upgrade this DC or upgrade another DC and then transfer the FSMO roles to it when you are satisfied it is stable and then upgrade this unit. As snusqubben said, you don't want to be in the position of having to seize the roles if you can avoid it.
My recommendation is to move the FSMO roles to another DC. Once you have the roles moved you want to demote the server you are going to do a inplace upgrade you rather not do a inplace upgrade of a DC. Best practices is to do a clean install as well but if you can't then at least demote the server.
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Sorry for my delay in responding. Guys, any particular reason for the recommendation to do a demotion and then a clean install. Just wondering. Thanks I did an inplace upgrade of a DC wIthout issues but I certainly want to follow best practices.
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Thanks for the prompt followups and expert advice. The input and recommendations are greatly appreciated.