Complex migration (new server, keep domain, change forest!)

[ajbritton]

Today I'm replacing a Win2K server with a new Win2K3 one, but I also need to move the domain into a different forest. I want to keep the same domain name (and server name come to that), so here's what I'm proposing...

 

1 - Build new server with 2003

2 - Install Virtual Server and build another VM 2003 server

3 - Create a temporary domain on the VM server

4 - Use ADMT to migrate AD to the temporary domain

5 - Robocopy all the data from the old server to the new server

6 - Un DCPROMO the old server and rename it (this frees up the domain name and computer name)

7 - Create the new domain in the right forest

8 - Use ADMT to migrate AD to the new domain

 

If the SID history works, then all the files transferred to the new server should now be accessible.

 

I'm fairly confident, and I've got a back out plan just in case, but if anyone can see any major flaws or problems with this, then please let me know.

[ajbritton]

If you are interested, here's what happened.