Migrate active directory to new server

Migrating Active Directory to a new server involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition with minimal downtime and data loss. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you migrate Active Directory to a new server:

Preparation

  1. Plan the migration: Determine the scope of the migration, including the number of users, groups, and computers to be migrated.
  2. Choose a new server: Select a new server with sufficient resources (CPU, RAM, and disk space) to handle the workload.
  3. Backup the current AD database: Use the built-in Windows Backup tool or a third-party backup solution to create a backup of the current AD database.
  4. Update the DNS: Update the DNS records to point to the new server's IP address.

Step 1: Prepare the new server

  1. Install Windows Server: Install the same version of Windows Server as the current AD server.
  2. Install AD DS: Install the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) role on the new server.
  3. Configure the new server: Configure the new server with the same IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server settings as the current AD server.

Step 2: Demote the current AD server

  1. Demote the current AD server: Use the dcpromo command to demote the current AD server to a domain controller.
  2. Remove the current AD server from the domain: Remove the current AD server from the domain using the netdom command.

Step 3: Promote the new server

  1. Promote the new server: Use the dcpromo command to promote the new server to a domain controller.
  2. Configure the new server as a domain controller: Configure the new server as a domain controller using the AD DS console.

Step 4: Transfer the FSMO roles

  1. Transfer the PDC Emulator role: Use the netdom command to transfer the PDC Emulator role from the current AD server to the new server.
  2. Transfer the RID Master role: Use the netdom command to transfer the RID Master role from the current AD server to the new server.
  3. Transfer the Infrastructure Master role: Use the netdom command to transfer the Infrastructure Master role from the current AD server to the new server.
  4. Transfer the Schema Master role: Use the netdom command to transfer the Schema Master role from the current AD server to the new server.

Step 5: Update DNS and DHCP

  1. Update DNS: Update the DNS records to point to the new server's IP address.
  2. Update DHCP: Update the DHCP server to point to the new server's IP address.

Step 6: Verify the migration

  1. Verify AD replication: Verify that AD replication is working correctly by checking the event logs and AD replication status.
  2. Verify DNS and DHCP: Verify that DNS and DHCP are working correctly by checking the event logs and network connectivity.

Post-migration tasks

  1. Update client computers: Update client computers to point to the new AD server's IP address.
  2. Update scripts and applications: Update scripts and applications that rely on the AD server's IP address.
  3. Monitor the new AD server: Monitor the new AD server for any issues or errors.

By following these steps, you can successfully migrate Active Directory to a new server with minimal downtime and data loss.