martinewski
asked on
Moving from Workgroup to Active Directory (tips)
So, I'm moving my small company from workgroup to active directory. I already have Windows Server 2008 R2 running, domain set, users created, DHCP, DNS, all working.
I had never worked with active directory before. I need tips on moving the clients from workgroup to domain. I know how to do it technically. What I need to know is things I need to be concerned about. Some questions I have (but not everything I don't know):
– What users' files should I copy before changing the client to domain?
– Will the users be able to access their old files in their old accounts in case something is forgotten?
– What about emails (Outlook and Outlook Express)?
If you have ANY other tips on this, besides the above questions, please tell me.
I had never worked with active directory before. I need tips on moving the clients from workgroup to domain. I know how to do it technically. What I need to know is things I need to be concerned about. Some questions I have (but not everything I don't know):
– What users' files should I copy before changing the client to domain?
– Will the users be able to access their old files in their old accounts in case something is forgotten?
– What about emails (Outlook and Outlook Express)?
If you have ANY other tips on this, besides the above questions, please tell me.
ASKER
When a computer/account is only local, does that utility help? I don't know if a local account has a "profile". In my situation there are only local accounts on each computer, connected to a LAN as a workgroup.
We don't use exchange. We use our hosting server for email.
Currently we have one domain controller (the new one, not in use by users yet). Before this one, we didn't have it because it was a workgroup only.
We don't use exchange. We use our hosting server for email.
Currently we have one domain controller (the new one, not in use by users yet). Before this one, we didn't have it because it was a workgroup only.
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ASKER
Great solution. Thanks!
Just a note - if you have SBS that's a different animal. It's also usually the most appropriate, cost effective solution and provides added benefits to small businesses. If you're using SBS, it comes with Wizards and web page that walks you through connecting to the domain and migrating user profiles and works generally very well. There is no such feature in standard server.
for profiles you may want use the tool i suggested in this question
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/26408269/Migrating-user-profiles-from-one-domain-to-another.html
you can see the guy really liked it and it did what he needed...and it is free.
Is someone else running your exchange?
Do you have one or two domain controllers?
Thanks
Mike