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Mike
Asked: 2012-07-19 11:58:48 +0800 CST

Best way to back up a domain controller before upgrading it from 2003 to 2008 OS?

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I am trying to convert a DC from a 2003 DC to a 2008 RODC. Before I can do that, I must have a writable 2008 DC in my domain. I have a Windows 2003R2 x86 DC that I would like to upgrade to Windows Server 2008R2 x64. What is the best way to back this up before doing so, just to be safe. Also what is the best way to back up my other 2003 DC before upgrading it to a 2008 RODC?

If the DC is a virtual machine, would taking a copy of the .VHD file be helpful?

Thanks in advance

windows backup domain-controller rodc

1 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    You can't do an upgrade from x86 to x64. You need to do a complete reinstall of the OS.

    I assume that you have at least 2 DCs (you're a bit unclear here), so if that's the case, follow these steps:

    1. Take full backups of both DCs just in case and make sure both are Global Catalogs and run DNS
    2. Demote one of the DCs to a member server, moving any FSMO roles to the other server.
    3. Reinstall that server with 2008 R2.
    4. Run adprep /forest and adprep /domain as required to add 2008 R2 DCs to your domaun
    5. Run dcpromo on the new server and make it a DC. Also install DNS and make sure it's a GC.
    6. Wait for replication to happen, then demote the other DC, moving the FSMO roles to the other DC.
    7. Install the OS on the newly demoted server
    8. Run dcpromo on that server and make it a RODC using the Advanced button on the dcpromo wizard.

    You should only need to touch your backups in the result of a disaster. Replication will take care of making sure that the AD database has the right info on each server if you follow these steps.

    If the DC is a virtual machine, would taking a copy of the .VHD file be helpful?

    Not really. If you want to restore a DC, you need to put it DSRM (Directory Services Restore Mode) and restore the system state. This is the only way to do a complete roll back of an AD environment from backups. You should never restore one from a snapshot or bring an old .VHD online in a multi-DC environment. Just take full system backups (with windows backup if you don't have a better tool) and follow my instructions and you should be fine.

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