Replace 2003 Domain Server with 2008

Are you asking to change a 2003 Domain Controller with new 2008 with the same name and function?

The reason I ask is because if have done this same name swap.  IT can be done offline and you need another system that you can use for a migration.   It isn't to difficult

If you are going from 2003 to 2008 you can do an upgrade in place and that works fine.  I'd consider going to 2008 R2 at this point.

If you go to 2008 R2 it is only 64 bit and if your 2003 box is 32 bit you can't upgrade in place.

Thanks

Mike

Thanks for your replies.

I currently have a 2003 DC (PDC) now with a name of DC1 and an IP of 10.1 and a 2003 secondary (BDC) DC2 with an IP of 10.2. I would like to build the new server with the same name, IP and new OS (2008 R2) and take the old one (PDC) offline and toss it out the window or something. Then after a week or so replace my secondary (BDC) with a 2008 R2 as well.

My current DC is too old, I will not be reusing it for anything so upgrading it is not an option.

I'm assuming that 2003 box is 32 bit. So in this case you will need to add a 2008 R2 box in parallel.  You have two ways.

1.  Change the name/IP of the 2003 DC now and then add the 2008 R2 box with that name and IP

2.  Add the 2008 R2 box then change the IP and name once that 2003 box is off the network (maybe do it over the weekend).

I'm guessing option 2 is what you will want

Thanks

Mike

thanks Mike.

Option 2 is what I think I want but have you done this before? I was hoping for some input from someone that has done this before.

In theory, I should be able to get my 2008 server up and running as a BDC. Then take it offline. Promote my current BDC to PDC, then take it offline. Then change the name and IP of the new PDC and bring it online and the promote it the new PDC.

Right?

Thanks for all of the replies.

I think dvt_localboy has the path that would work the best.

Can you tell me the best way to transfer the FSMO, DNS, and DHCP to DC2?
And how to verify they have been transferred and working correctly before I take DC1 offline?

Thanks everyone. I did it a little different. I built my new box off of the network and named correctly. Then I put another 2008 VM box on the network and transfered all FSMO roles to the secondary 2003 machine I had as well as the DNS and DHCP roles.

I then ran DCPromo on the retiring DC and shut it off. Then I brought my new 2008 DC into the domain and ran DCPromo and then moved all FSMO, DNS, and DHCP roles over to it.

Everything went well with very little issues and nothing I couldn't overcome.