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Brian Lyttle
Asked: 2009-05-05 19:20:25 +0800 CST

How do I migrate a Windows 2008 Domain Controller to another computer?

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I have single server acting as a domain controller. It is running Windows 2008 Standard edition. What steps are required to migrate this domain to another computer running Windows 2008? I'd like a detailed list of all the steps required and any gotchas.

windows-server-2008 domain-controller active-directory

2 Answers

  1. Best Answer
    • DC Promo the new server to join the existing domain, wait for al AD data to replicate
    • If DNS is installed on the old server, install on the new one. Create an AD integrated zone for your domain DNS data and wait for it to replicate
    • Transfer any other roles such as DHCP, WINS etc.
    • Transfer all FSMO roles to the new server. (I realise the article is for server 2003 however the process is the same
    • Turn of old server and check clients can login and perform all required tasks
    • Leave old server turned of but ready for use should a problem occur, for a reasonable period of time, usually a couple of weeks to a month
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  2. Isn't it as simple as adding a second domain controller then transferring all the FSMO roles to the new DC? Not knowing all the details you may have dependant roles than need transferring like dns DHCP etc

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