Hi all,

I need to migrate my domain from Win2k (domain functional level 2000 mixed, forest functional level 2000) to Win2k8.

Old servers mount Win2k3. I just need to know if my steps are right.

What I though to do:

- adprep /forestprep (W2k8 scheme) and adprep /domainprep (W2k8 scheme) on old servers

- install two more brand new servers with Win2k8

- register them to Win2k domain

- install ad services onto Win2k8 brand new servers

- transfer roles FSMO from old primary DC to new primary DC

Please let me know if I'm wrong and if I'm forgetting something...

Hello,

basically ok BUT see more details in  http://blogs.msmvps.com/mweber/2010/02/10/upgrading-an-active-directory-domain-from-windows-server-2003-to-windows-server-2008-or-windows-server-2008-r2/

And you should consider to use Windows Server 2012 R2 and not an old version as Windows Server 2008.

The domain functional level has to be at least 200 native to introduce a 2008 DC. I would upgrade both ffl as dfl to the maximum supported by the current configuration.

Do not forget to demote the old server properly when decommissioning. keep in mind the old dc's might still have crucial roles (like dns or even dhcp). Make sure you have a migration plan for these roles as well.

Thank you all,

about W2K12, I really don't know if it could be possible a straitgh migration from W2K to W2K12...shouldn't I need migration to W2K8 before, in order to go on W2K12?

Hi Massimo,

Straight migration from W2K to W2k12 can cause future issues to the functionalities of the Domain, as well is Not Recommended and not supported by Microsoft. 

For the Migration process to 2k8 or 2k8R2, there is no problem. Besides the steps you have posted, I would like to stress on the fact that for the domain and forest preparation with command "ADPREP32" in order to work propperly under W2K. 

For detailed information about the process I found this article that explains the whole process under your set up conditions:

Migrating an Active Directory Domain Controller from Windows 2000 to Windows 2008 R2

Hope you find it useful!

You cannot migrate directly from Windows Server 2000 DCs to Windows Server 2012 ones as Forest Functional Level Windows Server 2003 is required for the upgrade which means that all your DCs should be running Windows Server 2003 OS or higher.

For your approach of the upgrade that you previously shared, it is okay to proceed that way. I just would like to add that you need to:

• make that your new DCs are also global catalogs
• Run dcdiag and repadmin commands after you add a new DC and before demoting an existing one to make sure that everything is okay
• Take system state backups of at least one DC/GC server before proceeding

I would also recommend that you refer to IP settings recommendations that I shared here: http://www.ahmedmalek.com/web/fr/articles.asp?artid=23

Thank you all,

about W2K12, I really don't know if it could be possible a straitgh migration from W2K to W2K12...shouldn't I need migration to W2K8 before, in order to go on W2K12?

Hello,

the DCs must be at least Windows Server 2003 and the forest/domain functional levels must be Windows Server 2003.

If you have Windows 2000 Server DCs you MUST remove them from the domain with demoting.