SBS 2003 Migration
Hi All,
I inherited a SBS 2003 Server one one domain (Domain A) and another SBS 2003 Server on another domain (Domain B).
Domain A server was very old while Domain B server was very new.
There are 10 users on Domain A and only 1 on Domain B.
My goal was to fold Domain B into Domain A by migrating services and files to Server on Domain B since Domain A server was low on disk space and old.
I dcpromo down the Domain B SBS 2003 Server and joined it to Domain A. Let's now call this server Server #2 while the original domain A server is Server #1.
I then ran dcpromo on the Server #2 which gave lots of errors and failed. I then could no longer log into Server #1, failed credentials.
Server #1 no longer boots, it gets past the raid controller, and the raid is optimal then black screen of nothing.
I would prefer to flush SBS 2003 off of Server #2 but the customer is not anxious to pay $1100 for a Windows 2008 Server license.
1. I could run the SBS 2003 CD and get Server #1 to boot, but what next.
2. Should I wipe Server #2 and install WIndows 2008 and run both concurrently as a domain controllers?
3. If I do restore Server #1 is there a way to keep Server #2 as a DC and transfer roles?
Thanks,
J
I inherited a SBS 2003 Server one one domain (Domain A) and another SBS 2003 Server on another domain (Domain B).
Domain A server was very old while Domain B server was very new.
There are 10 users on Domain A and only 1 on Domain B.
My goal was to fold Domain B into Domain A by migrating services and files to Server on Domain B since Domain A server was low on disk space and old.
I dcpromo down the Domain B SBS 2003 Server and joined it to Domain A. Let's now call this server Server #2 while the original domain A server is Server #1.
I then ran dcpromo on the Server #2 which gave lots of errors and failed. I then could no longer log into Server #1, failed credentials.
Server #1 no longer boots, it gets past the raid controller, and the raid is optimal then black screen of nothing.
I would prefer to flush SBS 2003 off of Server #2 but the customer is not anxious to pay $1100 for a Windows 2008 Server license.
1. I could run the SBS 2003 CD and get Server #1 to boot, but what next.
2. Should I wipe Server #2 and install WIndows 2008 and run both concurrently as a domain controllers?
3. If I do restore Server #1 is there a way to keep Server #2 as a DC and transfer roles?
Thanks,
J
ASKER
Hi, thanks, but why can't I migrate? It's been less than 7 days (day 6).
The timing is not the problem, there is actually an update during the migration process, that will extend that to 21 days, But a migration requires moving to a new server, and it must be the same domain. Active directory completely relies on the domain name, so you cannot move users and computers between domains. SBS also does not support trusts or child domains eliminating that as another possible workaround. You are basically wanting to do a merge which is not possible.
If you would like to review the typical migration documents, please see the following link.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/sbs-2008-2003-migration(WS.10).aspx
It is possible to migrate to a new SBS server, if you wanted to do a clean installation on one or the other.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc747454(WS.10).aspx
If you would like to review the typical migration documents, please see the following link.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/sbs-2008-2003-migration(WS.10).aspx
It is possible to migrate to a new SBS server, if you wanted to do a clean installation on one or the other.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc747454(WS.10).aspx
ASKER
Thanks, but I think you didn't read my question completely. "I dcpromo down the Domain B SBS 2003 Server and joined it to Domain A. "
As mentioned there is more to it than running DCPromo. Also once you run DCpromo it removes active directory so the domain accounts are gone and there is nothing to move but data anyway.
ASKER
Rob, when I ran dcpromo on Server #2, are you saying that it removed the accounts on Server #1?
I did misunderstand and though you ment you DCpromo'ed server 1. However I assume your plan is to DCpromo #2, join the domain with #1, migrate users and data to #2, then re-promote #2. Once you DCPromo an SBS you have to do a clean re-install to rebuild. You cannot DCPromo an SBS back to be a domain contrioller. SBS has many limitations.
ASKER
OK, I am going to clean install Windows 2008 Std Svr onto Server #2 tonight, attempt to restore / repair Server #1, and dcpromo Server #2 and see how that goes. I convinced the customer that SBS is a load of crapola and I prefer 2 DC's to a domain.
SBS is not a "load of crap". It is an excellent product which you have to learn the limitations. SBS has many other products integrated that do not exist on a standard DC. When you tamper with certain features or options like DCpromo you make those other features unrepairable.
As mentioned if you have the software for a clean install of SBS 2003 on server #2, you can do a migration during a clean install. It's just that you cannot demote SBS and promote it again.
I trust you are not using any of the other features like Exchange, Sharepoint, and more if you are going to Server standard.
As mentioned if you have the software for a clean install of SBS 2003 on server #2, you can do a migration during a clean install. It's just that you cannot demote SBS and promote it again.
I trust you are not using any of the other features like Exchange, Sharepoint, and more if you are going to Server standard.
ASKER
No, we outsourced exchange, as it should be for a company this size. How can anyone justify an all in one server? Where is the DR plan? I guess a SBS mixed with a regular Srv running as a DC also would be kind ok. So at least there is some redundancy.
If you are not using the other services then server standard would be a better option for you. Keep in mind you will also have to buy new CAL's.
I don't see a second server, DC or otherwise, as a critical part of a DR, though it can be very useful. It simply retains authentication and DNS, not a duplication of services or data. However, this is not a DR question.
I don't see a second server, DC or otherwise, as a critical part of a DR, though it can be very useful. It simply retains authentication and DNS, not a duplication of services or data. However, this is not a DR question.
If you install windows 2008 server in SBS 2003 domain, you will anyway need new CALs for windows 2008 server. If you don't want additional expenses, downgrade windows 2008 server to windows 2003 server. With windows 2003 server you can use SBS 2003 CALs. SBS 2003 CALs were valid also for windows 2008 server only if w2008 server was bought until 31th may 2009.
Look under licensing: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/sbs-2003-faq(WS.10).aspx
(RobWill, I was not sure if you wanted to say the same thing in your previous comment)
As you have only 11 clients and everything is messed up (maybe a little bit exaggerated) I would go with new sbs 2003 install on domain B server and that is it. (No additional cost for licenses)
Look under licensing: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/sbs-2003-faq(WS.10).aspx
(RobWill, I was not sure if you wanted to say the same thing in your previous comment)
As you have only 11 clients and everything is messed up (maybe a little bit exaggerated) I would go with new sbs 2003 install on domain B server and that is it. (No additional cost for licenses)
That is a good option davorin. To get the downgrade rights you would need volume or FPP licensing, but is downgrade to 2003 still available? If so it's an affordable choice with the right to replace with 2008 at a later date.
Yes, it is still available. Just this week we have ordered and received a windows 2003 server media for one costumer.
In this link are described all downgrade options and procedures to get media and activation key:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/downgrade-rights.aspx
In this link are described all downgrade options and procedures to get media and activation key:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/downgrade-rights.aspx
Good to know. I havn't done so for more than a year. Thanks.
ASKER
So, I am able to boot the SBS 2003 SVR (Server #1) by disconnecting one of the raid drives (raid 1).
On Server #2 I wiped it and installed Windows 2008 SVR R2 and joined it to the domain of Server #1.
But when I run dcpromo on the Windows 2008 server it states I should run adprep.
Q1. I assume I need or can I run adprep on SBS 2003? My goal is to transfer alll roles away from SBS2003 to the Windows 2008 SVR or if I can keep the SBS2003 as a backup domain controller.
On Server #2 I wiped it and installed Windows 2008 SVR R2 and joined it to the domain of Server #1.
But when I run dcpromo on the Windows 2008 server it states I should run adprep.
Q1. I assume I need or can I run adprep on SBS 2003? My goal is to transfer alll roles away from SBS2003 to the Windows 2008 SVR or if I can keep the SBS2003 as a backup domain controller.
Yes you need to run adprep/forest prep on the SBS when adding a server (as a DC) that is a newer version than SBS.
You can keep the SBS as a DC if it retains the FSMO roles, if you remove them you have to decommission the server. It is a licensing violation not to do so, and depending on the version it will start automatically shutting itself down after 7 days.
You can keep the SBS as a DC if it retains the FSMO roles, if you remove them you have to decommission the server. It is a licensing violation not to do so, and depending on the version it will start automatically shutting itself down after 7 days.
ASKER
Thanks, I have 4 SBS disks but doesn't seem to have adprep on it. Where do I grab it from?
You want to use Adprep from the newer O/S disk, not SBS. It used to be in the \CMPNENTS\R2\ADPREP\ folder but you may have to so a search of the disk to locate.
ASKER
Fantastic - I tried using adprep from a 64 bit Windows 2008 and failed. I then noticed the adprep32 which is running now.
Excellent.
ASKER
While running dcpromo on the Windows 2008 SRV against the SBS 2003, I get the following error as displayed. On both servers I am logged in as domain\Administrator
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ASKER
U rock!
Thanks jon1966. Good luck with the remainder of the project.
Cheers!
--Rob
Cheers!
--Rob
For the record if you could migrate (you can't in this scenario) it is much more involved than running DCpromo.