Adding a 2k3 server to a 2k domain kinda....have some questions 1

[puckslinger]

Hello,

One of our customers currently have a single windows 2000 File Sharing DC. They want to upgrade it to 2k3 but want no down time. So we have a plan to do the following:

1. add a 2k3 temp server to there 2k domain.
2. Upgrade the 2k3 to a DC
3. Copy all files from 2k to 2k3
4. Demote 2k out of DC structure
5. Disconnect 2k from the network perform upgrade(fresh install).
6. Bring new2k3 online and promote to DC
7. Copy files back to new2k3
8. Demote and remove Temp2k3 from network

I just want to make sure that what we want to do will work to keep there Active Directory structure and network intact while we update there main server.

I plan on running Dcpromo on the 2k3 machine after i get it online. I that the right command to get it to a DC from the get go, or do i need to get it on the network first?

from everything that i could find runing DCpromo will do what i want it to do.


Thanks,


Joedy

 

[markdmac]

yes, the plan you have is sound but you have not listed the transferring of FSMO roles which will need to be done.

This upgrade process will only take you an hour and a half, why don't you simply wait until after hours and upgrade the existing machine directly?

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

 

[puckslinger]

what are the FSMO roles?
and how to a transfer them?

as far as why we dont do this after hours, i dont have a clue i dont really have a say so in when it all goes down. :/ atleast we are starting on friday ...


thanks.

 

[markdmac]

Without an understanding of AD I would recommend that you consider outsourcing this project. If you are working with AD you should already know and understand what FSMO roles are.

This article will tell you how to move them.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=324801&product=winsvr2003

Before you down the old server make certain that AD replicaiton has happened and that all objects have replicated.

Based on your above comment I highly recommend the upgrade method so you don't mess up AD. The amount of time it could take for you to move data if you plan to do this during the day would be a longer down time than doing the upgrade during the day. As stated however I am suggesting you should do it after hours and avoid any user down time.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

 

[puckslinger]

Thanks for the link.

We are doing a fresh install because there are many errors on the current 2k server that we have been unable to repair and this is the route the customer wants to take.


Whenever I add the new machine as a DC wont it get the FSMO's from the 2k machine? and again when i add the upgraded machine back? given they will both be domain controllers?

 

[puckslinger]

well got the agenda down,


Thanks for the info again on the FSMO. gonna be on site firday at 8am... during the day it is :?


Thanks again,



Joedy

 

[markdmac]

FSMO roles will not just get moved without you taking action.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark