New Server to replace DC

[damanith1]

Hello,
We are in the midst of moving our DC to a newer machine. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to do this? They are different models of servers. I keep thinking that I'll bring up the other one with a different name install AD, DNS, and DHCP (this server holds no FSMO roles). Import DHCP to the new one, turn off the old DC. Then rename & restart the new DC and change the IP to the old one. Does this sound right?

 

[58sniper]

Why are you renaming?

You can't just simply turn DCs off and/or rename them without consequences.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[pagy]

Just add the new server as an additional DC into the existing domain.
Then add DNS and assuming you have AD integrated zones they will start to replicate, you can then transfer the fsmo roles to the new server and move the dhcp database to the new box.
If the new server has 2003 R2 you will need to run adprep from the 2nd CD to update the schema before running dcpromo.

Paul
MCSE


"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein

 

[damanith1]

We have a naming scheme that we would like to keep and instead of adding a number to the end endlessly (dc01, dc02, dc03) we wanted to avoid going higher. Now we'll have a dc02 and dc03 and no dc01. It's not a huge deal but my boss...ya see...he's a picky sort.

 

[FloDiggs]

I've always been a fan of adding the service tag/serial number of the server to the name. Makes the name unique by default, and will save you a trip to the server room when you need to know the serial number.

 

[DTracy]

One thing with the dc01, dc02, dc03, is to demote and remove the old server from AD and the domain properly and completely before taking off the lan (trust me, been there done that) or else you-will-have-a-mess. After the old DC is gone properly, rename the new to the old to make your boss happy or whatever.

 

[damanith1]

Thanks for all your help. We have named the new DC- 03 and will decommission the old server.