Server 2003R2 to 2008R2 upgrade

[Blue_Cookeh]

Hey,

So right now, we have x2 servers running DC roles and I'd like to get our first or 'initial' DC upgraded from 2003R2 to 2008R2... but I've not done this before so I'm wondering how I might go about this and whether you guys have any tips?

.. yes, I'll be keeping 3 different types of backups on x3 different types of media in case it goes SNAFU!

Thanks

x1 Physical running 2003R2:
'Master' (or initial) DC
DHCP
DNS
Fileserver (I'd like to get DFS going on this for failover at some point, now is probably a good chance)

x1 Virtual 2008R2:
DC
DNS
WSUS

[FN-GM]

I would Crete another tempory virtual machine as your DC. Then move all the roles off your old DC onto the temp one. Then setup the new DC and move everything back and get rid of the temp one.

[Michael]

First job is to update the schema, but then unfortunately there's no direct upgrade route from 2003 R2 to 2008 R2, so you'll need to either get a new server (ideal opportunity) or juggle what you have as you'll need to install Windows Server as new.

[FN-GM]

First job is to update the schema.

@Michael He already has a 2008 R2 DC so it doesnt need doing

[plexer]

First job is to update the schema, but then unfortunately there's no direct upgrade route from 2003 R2 to 2008 R2, so you'll need to either get a new server (ideal opportunity) or juggle what you have as you'll need to install Windows Server as new.

There is if the 2003 R2 server is x64.

Ben