Inplace upgrade questions

[Oaktech]

I've got a 2012r2 server core DC and a 2008r2 physical DC. The server core machine was already here when I arrived, it's been bombproof so I've just left it alone besides updates.

 

I believe I can do an inplace upgrade of the 08r2 DC to 2012r2 but nowhere in any of the guidance does it mention having an already mixed 08r2/12r2 environment. My functional level is 08r2 and I'm not looking to raise it right now.

 

All the inplace upgrade advice says to do a domainprep and a forestprep, I've followed the technet guidance and checked that this has been done, which it appears to have been.

 

I've done the firmware update on my HP microserver, I've got a 2012r2 disc, I've got a good backup... I guess I just go for it?

 

Any words of wisdom or gotchas?

[Patrick]

I did an in place upgrade on my server (Physical, no virtual, does everything, dns, dhcp AD etc..) and did domainprep and forestprep. Upgrade was fine and i had no issues. Although most places i looked said not to do it and that a clean install was better, but honestly it's been fine for me and i've done it to two other servers at different schools since.

[3s-gtech]

You won't need to domain or forestprep - those were done to allow the 2012 R2 DC to join (or the domain was built from that DC).