moving AD from 2003 to 2kSP4

[johng75]

i currently have a windows 2003 server running the AD/DC, but i would like to move the AD off of that server, but the only machine i have to move it to would be a windows server 2kSP4, and then completly wipe the 2003 machine and start it fresh for another purpose........is that possible? is that adviseable? pros? cons? brick walls?




Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention
of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up,
totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

--"WOW-- What a Ride!"

 

[58sniper]

Other than losing all the features that 2003 brings? Can't see why you'd want to go backwards to an even more outdated OS.

Pat Richard
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Contributing author The Complete Reference: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

 

[Dublin73]

it's a bad idea. your domain and forest are probably set at mixed or Window 2003. for further info see here...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322692

and I don't think that you can demote a forest (but I'm not 100% sure)

Also, you'd have to relocate all your FSMO roles. see here...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324801

and check where your GC is. for further info...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313994

all in all you could run into a lot of hassle and you're probably better off keeping the 2003 DC

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Why not get another copy of Server 2003 and setup a Virtual Machine as either the DC or the server you need?

-Lee

Those who ask why, learn

http://www.lwcomputing.com