Replace NT4 PDC with W2K

[Ottosson]

Hello,

I'm about to throw out our old NT4 server and replace it with a W2K. NT is PDC in the domain and is the only server. It's too old to upgrade to W2K and I don't want to install NT on the new one and then upgrade it to W2K. DNS and DHCP are run from an other location so I don't have to worry about that.

What are my options? I've been thinking making W2K a member server, copy all files e.t.c. and then disconnect the NT and make W2K DC. Is this possible? This would mean I have to create new user accounts but that's not the end of the world. Is this a good way or what do think about it?

Regards
Tommy

 

[pytchley]

We do this all the time - build a W2K server as a Domain Controller.
Change the IP address on the NT box to one in the same network as the W2k. Share the data folders and copy to the W2k.
Create users and groups and sort out permissions.
This is not a problem with a few users.

 

[Ottosson]

Thank you,

Is it really possible to connect the NT box(former PDC) to the domain again when there is a another PDC there?

 

[hewissa]

To reduce your workload I would do the following:

1 install NT on the (2K) machine first, set it up as a BDC.Synch your folders and such.
2 Promote the BDC to PDC, thus demoting the PDC to BDC
3 Install 2K on the New PDC
4 Either leave the current BDC (Old PDC) online or take it offline.
5 You won't need to create new users or permission....plus you retain your old domain.

No, an NT PDC and 2K "PDC" can't co-exist. However an NT BDC can operate on a 2K domain.

Hewissa

MCSE, CCNA, CIW

 

[Ottosson]

I really don't want to start messing with installing NT on the new server. But if I take a regular computer, install NT server and follow the steps you wrote. Once it's upgraded to 2K and the old NT is removed, can I add the new 2K as a DC synch them and then remove the first one and everything should work fine?

Tommy

 

[hewissa]

Yes, you could do it that way. But then there are other items that need to be resolved once the 2K domain is established. When dealing with your 2 - 2K machines, prior to taking the 1st offline, be sure to move the FSMO roles and such. Furthermore, don't just turn the server off, demote it to member server then take it offline.

"...Once it's upgraded to 2K and the old NT is removed, can I add the new 2K as a DC synch ..." You don't need to remove the old NT immediatly. I'd complete everything, then when you know you no longer need the NT box, remove it. There maybe files and such that might be missed during all the change overs....the NT box can exist under you newly created 2K domain.

Hewissa

MCSE, CCNA, CIW

 

[Ottosson]

Ok, thank you very much.

Tommy