New domain controllers

[FN-GM]

Hello

 

I am getting two brand new domain controllers, obviously I don’t want to re create my domain how do i go about replace them please? Also how would I upgrade a backup DC to a primary one please? Thanks

 

Zak

[Oops_my_bad]

backup DC? What are you running? NT4? 2003?

[FN-GM]

Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise SP2, to be exact

[Joedetic]

The PDC and BDC architechture was phased out at the introduction of Server 2000. Now it's Forest, tree, domain or something like that. I forget how it goes exactly...i've not had anything to do with large scale windows networks since being at uni. I've only got my tiny 4 server setup at home.

[sidewinder]

Yes all DC's are equal with active directory, apart from FSMO roles

 

Simple answer for the 2 new DC's - dcpromo them both so you have 4 DC's, transfer all FSMO roles over to the new 2, then demote the old 2 to member servers.

 

Obviously do a bit more planning than that, but that is an overview of what you need to do

[FN-GM]

that was what i was thinking but how would i upgrade one from a backup DC to a primary one please? Thanks

[Geoff]

You don't. Apart from the FSMO roles, all DC's are equal.

[FN-GM]

FSMO roles?

[Dos_Box]

You WILL need to read this. FSMO roles are what AD relies on. Get it wrong and its bye-bye domain.

 

http://www.petri.co.il/understanding_fsmo_roles_in_ad.htm

[webman]

FSMO roles?

 

Search is your friend.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexible_single_master_operation

http://www.petri.co.il/understanding_fsmo_roles_in_ad.htm

[FN-GM]

Right ok I think I have this, I would first setup my backup DCs. The new one install windows then add it the domain as a DC. Then transfer the data across from the old one and then take the old one offline.

 

But for the primary I would transfer the FMSO roles over two the new backup DC. Then install windows on new DC 2, and then add the new DC 2. That would Be the backup DC. Then I transfer off the data of the old primary DC then take it offline. I haven’t explained it well sorry.

 

Are these the instruction to transfer the FMSO Roles?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255504/en

[GrumbleDook]

Try not to use the term 'backup' or 'primary' when talking about DCs. A DC is a DC ... there are some special roles that some can have (FSMO) but a DC is a DC ... you cannot promote a 'backup' to a 'primary' because backup and primary do not exist. You can move FSMO roles from one DC to another and that is as far as it goes ... you can add additional DCs but it is a DC ... not a backup, not a primary ... just a DC.

[FN-GM]

right gotya