Adding a w2K server to an nt4.0 network

[Adminman]

My company is in the process of purchasing our first w2k server to add to our network. I know I've read something about problems with PDC (4.0) and DC (w2k) blending. Could someone give me some direction as how to introduce the w2k server to our network with the least amount of problems.

Current network make-up:

2 nt4.0 sp6 servers pdc running sql 6.5 and
bdc running exch 5.5, proxy srvr.

Any direction or other resources would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Adminman

 

[tlcscousin]

Just dont set it up as a DC. W2K server can be a member of an NT4 domain as long as the W2K server does not use active directory.

 

[ljzman]

Well, it looks like you are in the same boat I'm in

I am currently replacing a 4.0 pdc with a new server running win2K as a mixed mode PDC. I just posted a few questions the same time you did. (i wrote all the steps i am currently doing right now) What i do suggest, is that if you are not going to replace your existing servers, i would install win2K as a stand-alone. However, if you are replacing your PDC like I am... you mentioned you are running SQL 6.5; the odds of SQL 6.5 running on Win2K without hiccup...I won't even go there. been there, tried that, forget it. Upgrade to SQL 7.0 or 2000 if possible, and then upgrade the box to Win2K.

The win2k server, if it is just an addition and not an upgrade, can still be promoted to a DC even if it is a standalone, unlike NT 4.0. but you would have to create a new domain and run trusts between domains until everyone is migrated over, then redo your existing 4.0 servers as a stand-alone, or upgrade them to win2K.

Lance Johnson
IT Manager
Lakeside Casino Resort
Osceola, Iowa

 

[Thet]

lj,

I think I am also in the boat! I have an added twist that perhaps you or others can assist me with.

Here's the story...

I am replacing the current NT4.0 PDC and 2 BDC's with one WIN2K server. I obviously need to move the user data and many files over, but I also need to change the subnet mask. It is currently set up as 255.255.x.x, which is causing problems with VPN set up. I want to go to 255.255.255.x. I understand DHCP and TCP/IP, but have never attempted a new PDC install into an existing network.
WIN2K is new to me also.

Should I add it directly, or set-up a trusted domain until the user data is exchanged, or am I way off base?

The new server will be running small business server, if that is of importance. If more info is needed, just ask.

Thanks

Thet

 

[ljzman]

From my understanding, it is best to upgrade the existing PDC to Win 2K, and all of the migration is then taken care of. What I am doig is installing Win NT on the new server as a BDC, promote it to a PDC, then upgrade. All of the users, groups, etc will be upgraded then.

As for changing the subnet mask, this can be done before, after, anytime. you can change it on the servers, then edit your DHCP to reflect the new subnet. Lance Johnson
IT Manager
Lakeside Casino Resort
Osceola, Iowa

 

[GlenJohnson]

ljzman is right. Upgrade the nt boxes after running the test to find out what will and what won't work on w2k. SQl 6.5 might run, if not, upgrade that first. In a W2K network, there are no PDC's or BDC's. You have only stand alone servers or DC's, depending on wether or not you want to run a domain or not. I'm in the process of switching from a Novell network to W2K. Started out with 1 Novell server, (The main) and one NT4.0 server. Bought a W2K server to take some of the apps off of the NT box, then bought a BIG W2K server that will handle most of what I need. Upgraded the NT box to W2K, created a domain and the old nt box and newest w2k box are DC's. My biggest problem is figuring out what old dos app's won't run smoothly on W2K, which the report won't tell you, (Custom app's we wrote.) Once everything has been ported off of Novell, going to F-Disk the novell server and install W2K. Anyway, upgrade NT first then get the new box, so they can understand each other better. Good luck. Glen A. Johnson
Microsoft Certified Professional
gjohn76351@msn.com
"Accident is the name of the greatest of all inventors."
Mark Twain (1835-1910), U.S. author.

 

[Adminman]

thanks all... I feel better prepared for the install.

adminman

 

[Pooler]

Hi Everyone,
Here is my situation. I am running a mixed environment of win95-98-2000 machines. I am running a win 2000 server with two nt 4.o sp6 servers. My question to you is there any way you can setup printers so they show up on the win 2000 boxes without using profiles? By this I mean I have certain labs that print to their designated printers and I don't want people to have to load their printers everytime they use these labs. Any ideas? Thanks Learning