Hello all,
I'm in the process of upgrade our Windows Server 2003 Domain to a 2008 R2 domain. Before I proceed, I need to get some advice on the process.
Here is an overview of our current environment:
We are one giant domain with no child domains. At each site there is a domain controller, its setup as xxxx.xxxx.edu (the domain).
DC1 - Server 2003 - FSMO Holder, WINS, DHCP, DNS
DC2 - Server 2008 R2 - On-Site, the future FSMO, WINS, DHCP, DNS
DC3 - Server 2008 R2 - On-Site, meant to be our backup when the migration is complete.
DC4 - Server 2008 R2 - Off-Site
DC5 - Server 2008 R2 - Off-Site
DC6 - Server 2008 R2 - Off-Site
DC7 - Server 2008 R2 - Off-Site
DC8 - Server 2008 R2 - Off-Site
Most of our computers are pointed at the 2003 server for DNS resolution and the off-site computers are pointed at their domain controllers.
Question 1: I've joined up a 2008 R2 server and promoted it to a domain controller. Now, the SYSVOL folder did replicate, but I have a few problems: On the R2 server, inside the "Policies" folder there is nothing in it and this is the same on all the
other DCs. On the 2003 folder, there is information within the "Policies" folder. Is this correct or do I need to copy the folders over? I've read that I need to do a D4 Authoritative Restore on the 2003 and a D2 Non-Auth on the
other DCs. Is this correct?
Question 2: We had a vendor in here for our VMWare Install and had some knowledge about Active Directory. We went ahead and transferred the FSMO roles and users were able to login fine. But, after a few days, users could not login and were getting
the error, "There are no logon servers available" at the login screen. So, I went ahead and transferred back the roles and users were able to login. Will I have the same issue if I proceed with the migration and will I have to re-join all of the
computers back to the domain?
Question 3: Once the roles, DHCP, and WINS are transferred, can I change the IP address of the new DC to the old DC's IP with no problem?
Can you guys recommend or direct me on the guides for transferring over DHCP, Domains, WINS, etc? All help is greatly appreciated.