exporting the Active Directory Database

[torytechie]

Now that we have built our new Active Directory Server, is there any way of copying the existing AD database in order to put it into the new server?

[plexer]

Are you starting from scratch with this new server or is it an additional one?

 

If it's an additional one then by running dcpromo on it to promote it to a domain controller that will install active directory on it.

 

Ben

[tmcd35]

On the same domain or are you building a new domain?

 

If it's the same domain just join the server to the domain and run dcpromo and it'll do the work for you.

 

If it's a new domain then I'm not sure how wise it would be copying the database (I'm sure others with more knowledge will comment here). I think it's doable if you run Windows Backup and backup the System Settings and then restore the back up on the new server. Just not sure I'd be willing to do it myself...

[sted]

On the same domain or are you building a new domain?

 

If it's the same domain just join the server to the domain and run dcpromo and it'll do the work for you.

 

If it's a new domain then I'm not sure how wise it would be copying the database (I'm sure others with more knowledge will comment here). I think it's doable if you run Windows Backup and backup the System Settings and then restore the back up on the new server. Just not sure I'd be willing to do it myself...

 

if you really wanted a straight copy for say testing purposes like that may as well disk2vhd it and load it up as a hyper v propably a lot less hassle.

 

But as said if you are just adding a n other server to the domain once its dcpromod active directory replicates between any domain controller automatically

[Bezwick]

Over the summer we migrated domains and used this to do move computer & user accounts accross, saved me a lot of work.

 

ADMT - Active Directory Migration Tool

 

Download details: Active Directory Migration Tool version 3.2

[torytechie]

On the same domain or are you building a new domain?

 

If it's the same domain just join the server to the domain and run dcpromo and it'll do the work for you.

 

If it's a new domain then I'm not sure how wise it would be copying the database (I'm sure others with more knowledge will comment here). I think it's doable if you run Windows Backup and backup the System Settings and then restore the back up on the new server. Just not sure I'd be willing to do it myself...

 

What we are doing basically is this:

 

we are eventually migrating from windows server 2003 to windows server 2008, but we want to do it with minimal disruption to the network.

 

I have installed windows server 2008 on a new server, but we want to go live with one before switching the previous one off.

[sted]

then just adprep the current server (tools are on teh 2008 dvd somewhere) then dcpromo teh new server to the exisitng domain. if you need to take the old server out then obviously transfer data etc accorss and set permissions etc correctly transfer the normal roles and fismo roles wait a bit if you can for everything to stabilise then run dcpromo on the old server just dont tick the this is the last domain in the forrest box

[tmcd35]

Just run dcpromo on the server then. When you are ready to turn off the other server make sure DNS and DHCP are correctly set up with the right IP's and nothing is pointing at the old server.

[torytechie]

Can I just clarify, I have to run dcpromo on the NEW server?

[sted]

Can I just clarify, I have to run dcpromo on the NEW server?

 

yes to promote it to being a dc but if old server is 2003 you need to adprep that 1st

 

if you dcpromo the old server you will REMOVE ad (well if you click the boxes anyway)