Server 2008 r2 - Domain & Forest Functional Level - Network Affect

[Get2theChoppa]

hi yee all,

 

need some help on this, current network setup of the inherited network is as follows,

 

DOMAIN:

running on Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition

 

Domain Functional Level

Windows 2000 Native

 

Forest Functional Level

Windows 2000

 

 

I INTEND on introducing Windows Server 2008 r2 (Enterprise Edition)

 

1) Which of the above - funtional levels do I need to change to implement server 2008 r2 ent edition?...

2) What do I need to be aware of when I DO THIS?...

3) What affect will this have on the overall network? bandwidth...user desktop?

4) I intend on keeping existing GPO's instead of creating new ones... will this be an issue?

5) Do I disable firewall on servers? as network is protected by Cisco ASA and also MS Antivirus?

 

If someone could shed light on this?

 

Many Thanks for your expert advice...and have a lovely easter break!... :-( (yes im at work)

[nickbro]

1) If you're just got 2003 DC's at the moment I'd raise it to 2003, it just removes some of the older AD stuff

2) Nothing, just make sure you don't raise it above the OS version of the DC's

3) Yes, it should make things quicker as it turns off some of the legacy stuff, it's a tiny change though

4) No

5) You can, it's personal choice

 

I've just put a new network in place for a cluster network, and it's all 2012 Domain and Forest level, as I will only be using 2012 and above on it.

 

My current curriculum and admin networks are both 2008 R2 level, as it's all 2008 R2 DCs

[pantscat]

@nickbro has got it covered.

 

You'll also need to be aware that you'll need to run ADPREP before you introduce a 2008(R2) Domain Controller - How to Run ADPREP for Windows Server 2008

 

Cheers.

[Get2theChoppa]

Many thanks for your prompt reply guys!

 

I have been prepping the new servers and also creating relevant shares and also setting the relevant rights

 

I have one FINAL GLITCH!

 

The windows START bar is being pulled from a server which is running Windows Server 2000...... this is referenced in the GPO for all staff...

If I take down this Windows 2000 server, how do I replace the start bar?..... or do I just point it to another server?... I dont know what to do here!

 

Does the above even make any sense to anyone?