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Brook_Lane
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Best way to clone 2008 R2 Domain Controller onto identical hardware?

I have a Windows 2008 R2 Server that is configured as my primary domain controller. This server is also a DNS, DHCP (two scopes served on 2 VLANs from a single adapter) and a file server. This server has the PDC, RID Master, etc... FSMO roles as well. Unfortunately the server shows a hardware error indicator that suggests an issue with the motherboard. I have another brand new, identical, server that I would like to clone the current system to before it fails. The only difference would be that I would like to use a 4 drive RAID 10 array instead of the current 2 drive RAID 1 array, but I suspect the OS won't care as long as it sees the same resulting drive configuration. My question is, what is the best, and fastest (least down time) way to accomplish this, and what problems may I encounter?

My current plan is this: 1) Full current backup of the server. 2) Unbox and setup the new server hardware and RAID array. 3) Create an image of the current server using a cloning utility such as Todo Backup, or learn the built-in tools. 4) Attempt load the image onto the new hardware off-line to test for a successful load. 5) Schedule downtime and repeat the clone process. 6) Shutdown the old server. 7) Load the image onto the new server on-line in my production environment.

I'm hoping to identify any problems with my plan to avoid any unnecessary risks. My concern is that I will encounter problems with "Trust relationship" errors, activation issues, etc... and possibly have to "reset" the computer account in Active Directory.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Windows Server 2008Storage SoftwareServer Hardware

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Brook_Lane

8/22/2022 - Mon
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Brook_Lane

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Well, I'm certainly glad I asked the question. It would seem that cloning would be a poor choice since I do absolutely have a multi-DC environment. Honestly I was hoping this could be done quickly and easily with a simple clone, but clearly I have more work to do. Thank you all for your excellent advice!
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