Moving active directory from one server to another
Active Directory, Active Directory migration, DNS, Domain Controller, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 migration
Hello
I would like some assistance, i am changing hardware and as such i
would like to know how i go about moving the active directory users from
1 server to another. The old server is windows 2003, DC and DNS. The
new server is already set to be a DC and DNS. the domain names are the
same on both machines. The new server presently have a different ip
since it in on the same network but when the move is complete the Ip has
to change to that of the old server. How do i proceed.
Software/Hardware used:
Software/Hardware used:
ASKED:
September 29, 2010 8:07 PM
UPDATED:
October 6, 2010 3:48 PM
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Answer Wiki:
Hi Andiandi,
I think this guide covers it all: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555549
don't worry about the IP, they don't need to be same. If you've got some hard-coded links to the old ip-address you can add a A and/or CNAME -record to your DNS server
To see all answers submitted to the Answer Wiki: View Answer History.
Interesting as I was thinking about a similar problem.
I thought about making the new server a backup server, and when syncronisation was complete, take the old one off line, and the backup would/could take over the role.
I am not to hot on this subject, as my post will prove. Would someone please enlighten me as to why that will not work.
I do not know why you put the new machine on its own network, I’d have placed it on the same network as everything else.
You do not say whether the new machine is a 2003 server or a 2008 server.
What I would do is to run dcpromo on the new machine to demote it to a member server and place it on the same network it will be working on. If it is a 2008 machine,I believe you will be given the option to upgrade the current AD to the 2008 level, do so. Start replication of AD so you now have a copy of AD on the new server as well as the old.
Let things sit for a week to ensure that everything is working correctly.
Move the FSMO roles to the new server.
Check for any dependencies on the old server, and ensure that these programs/machines see the new server.
Dcpromo to demote the old server to a member server.
Please note that if Exchange has been installed on the old server (ore even the new server) you cannot run dcpromo on that machine. Exchange will need to be removed. If it is on the old server, migrate to the new server before running dcpromo on the old server.
i have another question, does the user profiles move also when active directory is moved?