Server 2012 r2 to Server 2012 Migration

[amartin]

Hi All,

 

Weird request I know but is it all ok to transfer a domain controller and all fsmo roles from windows 2012 r2 server to windows server 2012?

 

Thanks

[3s-gtech]

If the functional level has been raised to 2012 R2 then it's impossible. It's an extremely odd request - Server 2012 is not a great OS IMO (R2 improved it in so many ways), however it's straightforward depending on FL - just put a new 2012 DC in, transfer the roles, done.

[amartin]

Yea as I say weird request I know. Having some stupid issues with facility admin. Just checked FL and its 2012 R2 so that rules that option out. Thanks for your help.

 

Slightly off topic is that an s3 I see in your avatar

[HPlum78]

Not impossible, see here:- https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/aman/2012/12/28/step-by-step-guide-to-lower-active-directory-functional-level/

[HPlum78]

Thinking on mind I don't know that there was a massive change to the Forest Functional stuff between the two versions..... and for that matter from 2008r2. May have been some Domain Functional changes between the 2 (TGT) springs to mind I cannot think of others without digging into it. Was there even much change to the Forest Functional stuff between 2003? would need to look....

[HPlum78]

Is the issue a schema thing? I cannot see it, unless its some kind of token issue that the Forest/ Domain Level would case an issue to an application like Facility (not impossible, just not probable) schema changes may do. Rolling back the Forest/ Domain Functional levels will not roll the Schema back... that is a whole different world of hurt right there. Edited July 11, 2017 by HPlum78

[3s-gtech]

Not impossible, see here:- https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/aman/2012/12/28/step-by-step-guide-to-lower-active-directory-functional-level/

 

Thanks, I've always taken that as being a no-go but I must have only skimmed over the docs when I did it. There is the note below:

 

* NOTE:

If you have enabled the Active Directory Recycle Bin feature you won't be able to downgrade your functional levels. Also, AD Recycle Bin won't be disabled, once you enable the feature.

 

Don't know if that means if you disable the recycle bin it'd then work.

 

Slightly off topic is that an s3 I see in your avatar

 

Yup, she's my lunatic old thrash box. Grin inducing mentalist thing.

[amartin]

Is the issue a schema thing? I cannot see it, unless its some kind of token issue that the Forest/ Domain Level would case an issue to an application like Facility (not impossible, just not probable) schema changes may do. Rolling back the Forest/ Domain Functional levels will not roll the Schema back... that is a whole different world of hurt right there.

 

Nah not a schema issue more the fact I have facility setup ready to go on a server 2012 machine. I have just rolled back the functional level to 2012 so thanks for that link. The plan is to promote this machine to a domain controller and then transfer over all the roles. Should be ok right?

 

Thanks, I've always taken that as being a no-go but I must have only skimmed over the docs when I did it. There is the note below:

 

 

 

Don't know if that means if you disable the recycle bin it'd then work.

 

 

 

Yup, she's my lunatic old thrash box. Grin inducing mentalist thing.

 

I didn't even bother disabling the recycle bin and it seems to have worked ok?

[HPlum78]

I cannot see an issue with that approach, see how you get on. Good luck H.

[3s-gtech]

I didn't even bother disabling the recycle bin and it seems to have worked ok?

 

It doesn't state it in the article I read, but I reckon that's only the case if trying to roll back to pre-2008 R2 as that was when it was implemented. In that case, glad it has worked for you!