dpsaxman
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Upgrade from AD 2003 to AD 2008
I have a location in the far east that has a Win2003 server. I want to Upgrade to AD 2008 . What are the key steps for this upgrade. (Is there a step -by-step)? and are there any gotchas to be aware of. I will have a window of 2-weeks , so I have to get this right on the first try.
DP-Saxman
Thank you
DP-Saxman
Thank you
If possible, build a 2008 server, promote it to a DC, then move all the FISMO roles over to it. You'll also want to re-point all the DNS clients to the new server as well.
That gives you the least likely hood of failure as you'll have both servers running parallel. Shutdown the 2003 DC and see if you have any problems. If none, start the 2003 server back up & run DCpromo on it to remove it's domain controller role.
That gives you the least likely hood of failure as you'll have both servers running parallel. Shutdown the 2003 DC and see if you have any problems. If none, start the 2003 server back up & run DCpromo on it to remove it's domain controller role.
First of all is the server in qustion a domain controller ?
If so then a full backup of your AD is advised before attempting any upgrade.
Does the server run any other software I.e third party applications, SQL server, exchange etc. If so check to see if they are compatible with 2008.
Are you upgrading from a 32bit to 64bit. If so this is a full server rebuild you can't upgrade from 32bit to 64bit. The same is true for changing from standard server to enterprise etc.
Finally do you have access to other server equipment you can temporarily use to asset the upgrade ?
If so then a full backup of your AD is advised before attempting any upgrade.
Does the server run any other software I.e third party applications, SQL server, exchange etc. If so check to see if they are compatible with 2008.
Are you upgrading from a 32bit to 64bit. If so this is a full server rebuild you can't upgrade from 32bit to 64bit. The same is true for changing from standard server to enterprise etc.
Finally do you have access to other server equipment you can temporarily use to asset the upgrade ?
Sorry just spotted that it's an AD server. Is it the only Domain Controller in the AD ?
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I would recomend add a new DC or rebuild the DC that is there now.
If you are adding a new one you can look at the links below to run adprep to update the schema. You will also want to add DNS and make sure all the clients are poitning to this new DC. If the remote DC holds any FSMO roles you will need to transfer those before removing.
If you are doing an inplace upgrade I would first make sure you have a good backup. Then make sure you hardware is compatable with the nwer OS. Check drivers and firmware are all updated. If it fails you will need to remove the failed DC from AD, use the link below.
http://www.petri.co.il/windows-server-2008-adprep.htm
http://www.petri.co.il/prepare-for-server-2008-r2-domain-controller.htm
http://www.petri.co.il/installing-active-directory-windows-server-2008.htm
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/216498