Replacing a domain controller / application and file server 2

[mjbosko]

I'm working with a small business that has one server configured as a domain controller. This server also is an application/file server for their business software.

The server is old, running Win2k Server - and has crashed several times lately. We are ready to purchase another server as a replacement.

I'm finding that to migrate our business software the vendor is recommending that the new server name remain the same as the old one.

Would you have any recommendations on installing the new server to replace our old one?

I suspect I need to do things in this order:

1) Setup the new server to attach to the network (not as a domain controller).

2) copy and install the appropriate biz software and database files.

3) Promote the new server to a domain controller (not exactly sure how this should be done)

4) Make the new server the primary DC (does this move user info (login, etc) to the new server?)

5) Remove the old DC completely

Just trying to get my ducks in a row before doing some further planning. Any help would be appreciated.

Mike

 

[cmiddl1]

mjbosko,

Question:
1- Are you running AD on this domain??
2- Do the applications you mentioned have configuration files that point it to that server(name)??
3- If you re-install the application(s), can you point it to the new server that you build?? This would facilitate a smoother transition.
4- Is there another Win2K server that can act as the DC for this domain??

 

[mjbosko]

1- Are you running AD on this domain??

A: Yes, AD is running on the domain.

2- Do the applications you mentioned have configuration files that point it to that server(name)??

A: I'm new with this software, but from what I have gathered by the so called techs, is that there are many places (config files) pointing to that server name. ugh.

3- If you re-install the application(s), can you point it to the new server that you build?? This would facilitate a smoother transition.

A: Apparently, again from the techs, this software doesn't rely on the registry, so its easily copied as one single directory, over to a new server. Don't have to tell me the plusses and minuses of using ini files and not the registry... its the way -they- wrote it.

4- Is there another Win2K server that can act as the DC for this domain??

A: I've considered reusing the current W2k server as the primary domain conroller, but it has too many of its own share of problems, etc. So, I guess the answer is no - as soon as we get a new server, it will be the only w2k server to act as the dc (as well as the app/file server).


Seems to me, the biggest problem is going to be keeping the same server name. I don't suppose there's an easy way to rename one server name, then name the new one the original name. I recall trying that in my past life, and not liking the results...

 

[cmiddl1]

mjbosko:

Yup, the server name is going to be the biggest problem, but not one that can't be solved. One more question, do you have any PC/Server type box that can have Win2K installed on it temporarly??

Let me look into some things and get back to you.

 

[mjbosko]

I may be able to find one. Assuming you mean Win2K Server, right?

Problem I'm having is that I can't find the W2k Server CD anywhere. I'm new here, and think my predecessor either left with it, or installed a pirated version. ARGH.

Mike

 

[supatech]

Install your new server run dcpromo setup your apps. Give it the same name and ip address as the original name and ip address. Restart the computer in Active Directory Restore Mode using F8. Run NTBackup.exe and restore active directory on the computer.

read this article and look for the section
Restore Backup onto Different Hardware

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pr.../support/adrecov.mspx#XSLTsection126121120120

CCNA MCSE MCP NET+ A+ Security+

 

[cmiddl1]

mjbosko,

(Yes, I do mean the Win2k CD)
Looking at the reply from supatech, does this work for you?? Do you have a backup(full), of the server??

If it is missing, you might be able to get a new copy from Microsoft if you have proof that it was purchased by your company. (

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=326246)

- type this link to the Customer Support page at Microsoft, or reference this document#: Q326246. This should be able to tell you how to replace lost or stolen software.

 

[mjbosko]

I'm looking forward to giving this a try ... haven't found the right server yet though. Trying to get the p's and q's in place first.

I'll keep you posted, hopefully soon.

Thanks for the help folks!

Mike