Restoring Windows AD Users from W2k to W2k3 Server 1

[nelson97]

I have a Win 2k Server that I plan on wiping out and doing a fresh install of 2003 Server. I would like to backup the Users and Permissions and restore it once I've installed and configured 2003. What's the best way of doing this? I

Thanks!

 

[markdmac]

Your best bet is to use another DC (even if temporary) to replicate your AD. Then transfer the FSMO roles to the temporary server and resetup the main server with 2003. DC Promo it to a DC and allow your user accounts to replicate back and transfer the FSMO roles back too before removing the temporary server.

General steps would be:

1. Install 2003 server OS on a temporary box, could just be a workstation.
2. Run ADPREP /FORESTPREP and ADPREP /DOMAINPREP to extend the Windows 2000 AD schema
3. Run DCPROMO on the temporary server.
4. Wait 15 minutes for AD replication.
5. Transfer the 5 FSMO roles to the temporary server.
6. Run DCPROMO on the 2000 server to make a member server.
7. Make the server a member of a workgroup, delete the AD account.
8. Install 2003, SP1 and hotfixes.
9. Run DCPROMO
10. Transfer the 5 FSMO roles.
11. Restore any data that needs to be restored.
12. Use the above steps to remove the temporary server.

Create and verify a full backup before trying any of the above.

You can document folder and file permissions with XCACLS.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

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