Copy User Files/Folders & NTFS permissions from W2K o W2K3 server

[Bigtm]

Hello, I am about to move/copy all Staff files from our older W2K file server to a new W2K3 Server. I am aware of resource kit utilities such as Robocopy and also add ons which can it a GUI.

Also available is Scopy.exe and PermCopy.exe in combination with each other.

The aim as well as transferring all files folders is to maintain the intricate NTFS permissions associated with these folders/files.

Any advice? I have started reading the Robocopy readme file before I attempt it but I though i would ask what you think the best way of doing this is.

Many Thanks,
BigTM.

 

[itsp1965]

Whenever we migrate servers, robocopy does the job well in terms of copying files and the associated NTFS permissions. I know MS has a file server migration tool that you can give a try also. Hope this helps.

 

[djtech2k]

This can be done with a batch file. This command should work if used properly:

for /D %%i in (test_dir) do xcopy /R /E /O %%i c:\test2\%%i\

This will copy an entire directory tree including all files and NTFS permissions.

The "(test_dir)" is the source root directory. You need to run this script locally in the parent because if you put in the drive path, ie "(c:\test_dir)", it will NOT work. It will assume that it is a single file rather than a dir.

I have used this many times and it works great.

 

[Bigtm]

Thanks guys for the info. How do these solutions impact when the
transfer of information is done whilst both servers are live on the domain. Once copied for a brief period you will have two locations hosting peoples home directories plus identical ntfs permissions. This will have
some effect on the home folder part of the login scripts or will it? I will remove the old server from the domain once the transfer is complete and verified but out of interest will there be any side effects?

Many Thanks,
BigTM.

 

[djtech2k]

Just do the copy while everything is going. Once it is complete and it looks good, point the users to the new place for the home directories or what not. There should be no effect.

 

[itsp1965]

With the robocopy solution what we do is the following;

1. Copy the files/folders/permissions to the new server.
2. Plan the cutover date and advise users
3. The evening before migration perform a final robocopy which will copy only newer files/modified files/deletions
4. Bring down old file server
5. Change name/ip of new server to match that of the old one

User should be able to see the new server. Hope this helps.

 

[Bigtm]

Ok Guys, I have made all preparations, backed up data, got new server online and ready to Robocopy. Can I run the Syntax by you first?

Source Server is called "Messiah"

Destination Server is called "Apollo"

Both source and Destination servers have a directory called "Staff" and it is also hidden "Staff$".

I will use the following synatax to copy all Folders, Subfolders including empty ones, NTFS permissions including ownership rights.

Robocopy \\Messiah\staff$ \\Apollo\Staff$ /e/sec

Is this about right? I will also run robocopy on the Source server unless otherwise instructed.


There are many more switches i could use but to be honest I want this to be as simple and painless as possible.

As always very grateful for your help and advice,
BigTM.

 

[58sniper]

You should also use the retry and wait settings as well. Here is something I would use:

robocopy.exe "\\Messiah\staff$" "\\Apollo\staff$" /ZB /R:3 /W:2 /TEE /LOG:robocopy_staff.txt /MIR /XA:SH

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[Bigtm]

Hello Again, Am I right to assume that Robocopy will not actually re create the shares on the new server? I have started the process of copying across folders, subfolders, ntfs permissions e.t.c but it seems that the actual sharing is not happening.

My fault, I assumed that was part of the functionality. I have over 600 shared folders each with unique properties and I don't see the great advantage of using robocopy if I need to recreate the shares. What can I do? Any other way of copying all info including the recreation of a share(s)? 650 to be exact.

Many Thanks
BigTM.

 

[itsp1965]

If this is the case, then I recommend you use the File Server Migration Tool (FSMT) from Microsoft.

 

[58sniper]

Robocopy does not create shares.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt