| zbrewer 2003-02-18, 2:16 pm |
| My company is about to migrate to AD. My collegue and slightly disagree on the actuall migration process. I would appreciate any feedback/pros/cons associated with the 2 processes described below. Suggestions/improvements to either are also greatly appreciated.
Currently, we have 1 Windows NT 4.0 PDC running Exchange 5.5. We also have 2 windows 2000 servers (on the same NT 4 domain). We will be adding a new server that will run Exchange 5.5 and 2000/AD.
I'm in the camp that we should take the following action:
1) Install Windows 2000 on the new server (not on the current domain)
2) Install appropriate Service Packs/Hotfixes
3) Run DCPROMO and create the new domain
4) Run Forestprep, etc. and install Exchange 2000
5) Create a trust between the old NT 4 domain and the new Win2K domain
6) Use the ADMT to migrate mailboxes and users, respectively.
7) Have the two 2000 servers that were previously part of the NT 4 domain join the new 2K domain and install AD on each.
8) Decommission the old NT domain.
My colleague, however, wants to take the following approach:
1) Take an extra workstation and install NT 4.0 server
2) Make the workstation a member of the current NT 4.0 domain as a BCD
3) Upgrade the workstation to Windows 2000
4) Run DCPROMO
5) Bring up the new server and install AD (DCPROMO joining the Workstations Win2K domain). Allow replication to take place between the workstation and new server.
6) Remove the workstation from the new domain (leaving only the new server with AD).
7) Install Exchange 2000 on the new server. Migrate Exchange 2000 mailboxes.
8) Have the two 2000 servers that were previously part of the NT 4 domain join the new 2K domain and install AD on each.
9) Decommission the old NT domain.
I would appreciate thoughts, pros, and cons on each method.
Regards,
Z. Brewer |