Domain Migration - Keeping Old Server

I have a particularly difficult domain migration coming up and was needing some advice. I am having trouble devising the best way to do the migration.

Here is the network, current and planned.

1. Old server is a 2003 SBS server which is the domain controller, DHCP and DNS server.
2. New server is 2008 R2 Standard
3. Currently all Windows XP workstations now.
4. Replacing 90% of the workstations with Windows 7 systems.

We will need to keep the old server operational after the installation of the new server due to legacy software.

I want the new server to be the primary domain controller, DHCP and DNS server.

Most of the time when I replace a server I don't migrate their domain, I just re setup everything and that is most likely why I am having trouble planning out the migration

What do you guys think is the best migration method?

Thanks for your help!

Doesn't SBS freak out if it's not the primary DC?

SBS needs to hold all the FSMO roles. You could move the dhcp and primary dns over, but I'm not sure it's worth the effort.

Do you think I should just make it a member server and secondary domain controller until we phase out the legacy software and then at the time move all the rolls over?

You can add the new 08 server and make it an additional DC..and SBS will be fine. Although it's server manager acts up now 'n then after updating some stuff necessary for 08.

However, you can't lower the status of SBS03...it will need to remain top dog.

if you need Server 03 around for this legacy software..you're better off getting SBS11 and getting Server 03 Standard...migrate SBS03 to SBS11, and copy off that legacy app to the Server 03 instance.

Our new software vendor doesn't support SBS at all.

Once the legacy software is no longer needed what would the procedure be to remove the old 03 SBS server and have the 08 R2 server take over its roles?

Do I even need to have the new server as a additional domain controller? What are the benefits to this?

Thanks for you help!

Are you using Exchange first? If so....this will require you to really plan your upgrade path so you have a smooth transition.

How many users?

Upgrading to server standard 'n Exchange from SBS isn't too difficult..just follow some guides out there.

But if you don't use Exchange...sorta makes for an easier migration.

Just a note...once you start a migration away from SBS....from the moment you move some of the critical FSMO roles away from it...you have something like 15 days to finish your migration before SBS starts flipping out and rebooting HOURLY on you. There is a trick to disable that panic feature to allow you to take all the time that you need.

For the AD part, first add the new server to the domain, then seize the FSMO roles, and then demote the old server. DHCP and DNS are a no-brainer and DNS is hopefully AD-integrated.

REDYOUCH said:

For the AD part, first add the new server to the domain, then seize the FSMO roles, and then demote the old server. DHCP and DNS are a no-brainer and DNS is hopefully AD-integrated.

Click to expand...

This... Remember to allow enough time after you seize the roles before you demote the old server.