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NT4.0 to 2000 Server migration

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telecomp

IS-IT--Management
Dec 9, 2002
1
US
I will be replacing a PII NT4.0 Server with a PIV 2000 Server. Does the 2000 Server run as a PDC? Since the NT Server is the PDC now, what will I have to do to get the 2000 Server to act as the PDC???
 
Windows 2000 server doesn't run as a PDC, you will need an Active Directory Domain Controller.

I assume you have user accounts and the like on the NT box.

probably the easiest and safest route for the transfer of responsibility between these two is to Dcpromo the Win2ksvr box

And then migrate everything across from the NT box using the ActiveDirectory Migration tool (this requires a two way domain trust).

The thing is this will need great planning because configuring a Win2k ActiveDirectory Domain Controller is not a flippant 'I'll click that one' operation.

Your choice of options will have a long term (and possibly permanent) effect on any future expansion.

I could bang on for ages about how to do all this, but i recommend that you go digging around MSDN and TechNET (both Microsoft support sites) there is just about anything you need to now about what you are trying to do.

Pay special attention to Active Directory and DNS
 
Generally when introducing a Win2000 server to an NT domain as a DC you have to do it as an upgrade to the existing PDC. Win2K WILL act as a PDC for an NT 4.0 domain (It will default to mixed-mode operation), but the only way to do it is to follow the upgrade path- once you upgrade the PDC to Win2K the ohter BDC's in the domain will treat it like a PDC and any Active Directory clients (IE other W2K servers and W2K professional systems) will treat it as the AD server.

Question- are you buying this machine pre-installed with 2000? If not, what you could do is first do a stripped down install of NT4 as a BDC, promote it to PDC, remove the old PDC from the network, then do the 2000 upgrade.

As noted previously, this is NOT a trivial undertaking. Research thoroughly before you proceed.
 
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