Data Center move

[jscibelli]

I am in the midst of planning a data center move and just want to be sure I have all of the bases covered.
We are a small organization (3 offices) with a single Windows 2003 domain. Each office has a domain controller. The forest root DC, which holds all of the FSMO roles, is in the data center that we are moving from Florida to New York.
Active Directory Integrated Zones is implemented.
Each office has a copy of the GC.
Assuming that I transfer the FSMO roles to the other DC's is there anything else that I need to address?
The forest root DC will probably be off line for 4 - 5 days.
Keeping that in mind what are the implications if I don't transfer the FSMO roles (in our small organization I prefer to keep them together to make DR easier).
Your input would be appreciated.

 

[mrdenny]

If you don't transfer the FZMO roles you won't be able to create objects or change passwords on legacy clients. You also won't be able to edit the schema.

I'd transfer the roles first. It's not hard to do, and is much safer that leaving them down.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000) / MCTS (SQL 2005) / MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[58sniper]

Not to mention you'll see a pile or events in the log files.

You also won't have time sync for your servers and workstations.

If you're using Exchange, it looks to specific DCs for some info.

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

 

[monsterjta]

Why, may I ask, do you need to transfer any roles at all? A DC move means a cutover of services, not domain. AD coverage should be seamless. Keep the pipes open, and have each authenticate and serve up DNS and what not.

Hope This Helps,

Good Luck!

 

[jscibelli]

That you all for your input. Just to clarify for monsterjta I am actually physically moving the existing DC which holds the FSMO roles. I will be off line for a few days which is why I asked about transfering the FSMO roles.

Again thats very much for the responses.