Migrating to AD 2008 R2

[torytechie]

I am building our new curriculum server at the moment but we are looking to migrate to AD 2008 R2 without switching the AD 2003 server off, as we are introducing this one as our first 2008 server.

 

Any ideas on how this can be done?

[EduTech]

Hi Tory,

 

If you run DC Promo on the New Domain Controller, Leave it a Day or Two to replicate, and then you can remove the Server 2003 DC as you would any other DC. when you demote the other one though, you will have to move over any FSMO Roles on to your Server 2008 Domain Controller, before ditching it.

 

James.

[pantscat]

This is a good place to look at first: Windows Server 2008 ADPREP

 

There's a new version of 32bit ADPREP on the 2008 R2 disc (I forget where exactly), but I've just prepped my domain the other day to start to do exactly the same thing.

 

2008R2 and 2003 DCs can coexist quite happily as long as your domain functional level is set to 2003.

 

What else do you need to know?

[3s-gtech]

Or you can leave the 2003 DC in as a fallback, but you won't be able to raise the domain functional level.

[Gatt]

Also ensure your Domain & Forest functionallity modes are up as high as they can go..

 

EDIT: ok just seen 3s-gtechs's post - just to clarify - raise the modes on the current 2k3 DC first, and as 3s said - until that one is decommissioned you wont be able to raise the modes on the new server...

[torytechie]

This is a good place to look at first: Windows Server 2008 ADPREP

 

There's a new version of 32bit ADPREP on the 2008 R2 disc (I forget where exactly), but I've just prepped my domain the other day to start to do exactly the same thing.

 

2008R2 and 2003 DCs can coexist quite happily as long as your domain functional level is set to 2003.

 

What else do you need to know?

 

Hi Tory,

 

If you run DC Promo on the New Domain Controller, Leave it a Day or Two to replicate, and then you can remove the Server 2003 DC as you would any other DC. when you demote the other one though, you will have to move over any FSMO Roles on to your Server 2008 Domain Controller, before ditching it.

 

James.

 

Thanks guys, this should be enough to be going on with.

 

I am knew to server side tech support, I have 5 years experience on desktop support, but this is my first graduate job and as such my first server build. I built the server and installed server 2K8 yesterday and I am now looking at configuring it either tomorrow or early next week.

 

I will read up further on your suggestions and then get going on it.

[timzim]

This is a good place to look at first: Windows Server 2008 ADPREP

 

This is the correct article for 2008 R2: Prepare your Domain for the Windows Server 2008 R2 Domain Controller. This one remembers to say that you must do a system state backup of your DCs BEFORE running adprep - v.important!