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SBS 2011 - Decom

Hi guys

I want to decommission our current SBS2011 server by adding a new DC to the domain and moving the FSMO roles across to the new DC, then demoting the current SBS server.

Is this possible? I have heard it is but I know in previous versions of SBS you have not been able to add additional DC's.

Any advice is much appreciated!

Many thanks

Lee W, MVP

First:

I know in previous versions of SBS you have not been able to add additional DC's.

This is incorrect.

SBS can have MANY other DCs. The restriction is you cannot have additional SBS servers on the domain. This is because SBS requires it hold the FSMO master roles in the domain - you can't have TWO DCs holding all the FSMO masters making it impossible to have multiple SBS servers.

As for your migration plan, it should be fine - it would be wise to setup a test network and practice this a couple of times - assuming you don't want to accidentally destroy your network and make your users useless for a few days while you recover... OR hire a pro with experience to do it for you. Your call.

Keep in mind you'll want to remove Exchange (uninstall), and once you transfer the FSMO roles you have 3 weeks before it starts shutting down because you're in violation of licensing - so you have 3 weeks to complete the process.

petekni

ASKER

Excellent thanks for the reply

I want to migrate the users to office 365 which I plan on doing first. Exchange won't be an issue by the time I'm ready to decom the SBS server.

But just to be clear I can Add a DC (for redundancy) to the domain without moving the FSMO roles across and demoting the SBS server?

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Lee W, MVP

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petekni

ASKER

Thanks a lot