Running new server alongside old

[Theldron]

I am setting up a new server for a school and I was wondering if it was possible to run the new server alongside the old one and then migrate everything over to the new one to reduce downtime?

 

Cheers

[localzuk]

Simple answer, yes. Don't really know much more to say!

[jamesreedersmith]

Normal way to do it!

can do most things overnight if needed so no downtime on site!

[XiJ]

Before I had tried it / had the knowledge we used to install a new server from scratch. Man I'm glad those days are long gone.

 

What server os are you running on the old / new server?

[Theldron]

Hiya mate,

 

I am upgrading the school from an old Server 2003 server to Server 2008 R2.

 

Cheers

[localzuk]

Why 2008 R2? It leaves mainstream support next year. 2012 R2 would be my choice now.

[bennz]

It is very possible and I am doing something similar now, moving from 2008r2 to 2012 I have setup the new server with the same name adding the number 2 at the end and slowly moving one thing over at a time making sure each is working before I take it offline on the old server. Its working great so far.

[XiJ]

I found it incredibly easy with Win 2012. I'll post some links soon that talked you through each step.

[XiJ]

I found these helpful

 

Step-By-Step: Adding a Windows Server 2012 Domain Controller to an Existing Windows Server 2003 network - Canadian IT Professionals - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

 

Step-By-Step: Active Directory Migration from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012 R2 - Canadian IT Professionals - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

 

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/ce238a6a-2a16-4b70-872e-84e72e486354/migration-shares-from-server-2003-to-2012-automation-suggestions?forum=winserver8gen

 

Step-By-Step: Migration of DHCP from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012 - Canadian IT Professionals - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

[Theldron]

Thanks mate, thats brilliant.