Question : DC, DNS, DHCP, WINS Server Migration

Hi,

I'll have to remotely migrate a domain controller (not primary) from an old server currently still in use to a new machine in the same network. Both servers have static IP addresses.

This machine has those roles :

- Domain Controller
- File Server
- DHCP
- DNS
- WINS

I usually do help-desk and write administration scripts and programs, It is my first time doing that and I'm a bit anxious to do it especially since I'll have to do this remotely and the servers are in another country.

I would be grateful if you could provide me with a checklist of what do to and what to take care of and possible gotchas based on your experiences.

For the file server, I intend to copy the files and shares using robocopy /COPYALL.
Is there a better or quicker way ? (like copying all the shares at once, rather than one after the other)

Regarding the domain controller, I think I just have to DCPROMO it, do I have to demote the old one first or doesn't it matter ?

DNS :
The steps on the website below are easy, but can you please confirm they are accurate and that I don't need to do anything else ?
http://blogger.xs4all.nl/zanstra/archive/2004/11/26/windnsbackup.aspx
This KB seems to have more steps, which one is actually needed in my case ?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/280061/en-us

DHCP :
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325473/en-us
but under the DHCP snap it I can see a Backup menu item when I right click on my DHCP server.
If I back it up from the current server and restore it to the new server, will that work, or will it just restore the DHCP database and other steps are required ?

WINS :
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/d3a5ad61-6b33-4ba6-8a25-76d853c48a571033.mspx?mfr=true



Any other tip or consideration to be taken or best practices when doing that ?
Also, at which points shall I stop the services on the old server to enable them on the new one, etc ?
In short, any complete check-list applying to my case from you is very welcome.

I'm a bit anxious since it will be my first time doing this and have not received any training in that, and it also has to be done remotely (through remote desktop and optionally VNC if needed), which means that if I lose remote connectivity, I will be stuck with a non working office which will upset many people on the Monday morning.
Is it safe to do this remotely, anyway ?
How to limit the risks of getting disconnected without the possibility to connect back ?

Thanks a lot for your help,

Vorenus

Answer : DC, DNS, DHCP, WINS Server Migration

If the server you are about to replace is NOT the root DC, then why not promote the new server to a DC running side by side with the old one and lets Active Directory replicates itself?

If your DNS is Active Directory Integrated (I would guess it already is as you are using w2k3) then it will replicate with AD and you need not to worry about it.

As for DHCP - if you have a small dhcp client base you may as well configure it manually. DHCP backups itself every 60 minutes but if you want to manually back it up you can do so. I have answered DHCP backup before so feel free to have a peel of my previous accepted solution.
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Storage/Backup_Restore/Backup_Exec/Q_22716416.html?cid=236#a19554714

Robocopy for files is a good idea as it copy across the permissions as well.

Once that is done you need to make sure your clients are pointing to the new server for DNS, DHCP and files.