Moving Domino to a new server

[lwinstead]

I know this question has already been asked, but I need terrific clarification. How do you move Domino R5 from one Win2k server to another Win2k3 server? I'm keeping the same Domino version.

I've heard that basically shutting down the old server, moving the data folder to the new server, then bringing up the new server is the BASIC explanation for how to accomplish this, but there are too many holes in this outline.

Can you name the new server something else entirely and still use the same Domino Server Name from the old server?

Do you HAVE to switch the new server back to the old server's IP address(es)?

Basically, I have an OLD Dell server running Domino R5 and I just bought a new Dell server, running Windows 2003 Server. I need to move everything over to the new server, and as much as I'm totally open to every legit idea, I want to know if there is any way of moving things over without body-snatching the old server with the new server.

Lastly, why does this have to be so freakin' difficult? I've scowered the web for days now, and all I can find are articles about changing the IP address and NetBIOS name of the new server to match the old, after moving files. I don't want that...

Thanks for listening to my rant. Any help out there?

<<<<[flux]>>>>

 

[Packet7]

Hello,

I'm not sure what you mean by "body-snatching", but we have done this in our office several times without any issues. If you client utilize location documents with an IP specified, then you will have to change the IP, but that's no big deal.

Before moving your Domino box to 2003 server, have you checked that your version is certified on 2003 by Lotus? Once you get the green light, simply install the same Domino version on the new server (same directories).

Down the old server and copy the Domino Data directory over to the new box. Most people rename the exisiting Data directory first, so feel free to rename it Data_OLD before the copy.

Then grab the Notes.ini from the old box and place it into the Domino application directory. Launch your server.

I would check the following once it goes live:
- Mail routing
- Running tasks
- Replication
- Your backup agent
- Name resolution
- Client connectivity
- WIN 2K Registry changes (check it when Domino first comes up
- Down the box, check notes.ini Server Tasks

Keep in mind that you may need to change the IP address in your NAB connections. We usually Down the old box, change the IP to match the old and update WINS/DNS.

Hope this helps.

Rgds,

John

 

[lwinstead]

Packet 7,

Thanks for your reply, but you never answered the KEY question I had - Can I move the current Domino installation over to a new server and KEEP THE NEW SERVER NAME? (I know you -did- answer the question, in a roundabout way, but just not directly)

Anyway, this is all moot now, but thanks to a previous post from you and some others, I've just bitten the bullet and body-snatched the old server with the new; in other words, I moved the data over, including the notes.ini file, and then just renamed the new server to the old server's name. Since there isn't ANYTHING in the data specifically using IP addresses (so far as I know), I don't have to worry. I brought the old server down (then renamed the new server), then booted the new server up and everything is pretty as a peach.

It just bugs me that no one could give me a good, direct answer on this. And sure, I understood it was possible by modifying DNS records and whatnot, but that seems so brutish...

Anyway, thanks for helping.

<<<<[flux]>>>>

 

[Packet7]

It just bugs me that no one could give me a good, direct answer on this"?

You can name the server whatever you want. The Notes client will look at it's location document, and servers follow connections in the NAB. Using DNS and WINS, you can manipulate any name resolution you desire.

Also, next time you want a direct answer, be more specific.
You wrote: "Same Domino Server Name"? My directions cover this and is handled during the note.ini copy and data directory. If you meant the host name of the machine, say so.

I am glad you resolved your issue.

Rgds,

John

 

[lwinstead]

Packet7,

I'm really sorry about that. I went back and re-read your post, and now I see what I missed the first time. And for the record, unfortunately, what I mean by "direct" answer is "talk to me like I'm a five year old and have never even seen a Domino installation." I realize this is childish and nearly impossible to do, so I'll check myself for future issues.

Nonetheless, at least things are working, so yay for me. (And thanks again for you!)

<<<<[flux]>>>>

 

[Packet7]

No worries. I never know someone's ability, and I get the same treatment. Thanks and take care.

Rgds,

John