Changing Master controller

[fred54]

Hi

I am in the process of moving from 2003 to 2008. I have a 2003 server which is the master controller and I plan to switch a newer 2008 server to the master controller but I openly admit that I am quite weak on domains/ DNS etc so I am have some queries before doing so

- In the mmc 'Active Directory Domains and trusts' there is an option in Operations Master to allow me to change - can it be really that straightforward?

- Will I need to migrate Active Directory to the 2008 server once I would change?

- What sorts of problems can I expect in doing this?

 

Thanks

[pete]

- In the mmc 'Active Directory Domains and trusts' there is an option in Operations Master to allow me to change - can it be really that straightforward?

- Will I need to migrate Active Directory to the 2008 server once I would change?

- What sorts of problems can I expect in doing this?

 

Thanks

 

Short answers:

1) Yes, provided you've run adprep and your new 2008 DC is a global catalogue.

2) No, you can stay at 2003 functional level if you need to

3) It really depends on your environment. Known good backups build confidence

 

Long answers:

Read this on adprep: Windows Server 2008 ADPREP

This on FSMO transfer (applies to 2008 too): Transferring FSMO Roles

And this as a general checklist and ntp info: Upgrading an Active Directory Domain from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 - MWeber's Blog