Hi everyone,

I have a network of about 20 2008 R2 DC's statewide. Is the following plan the best way to migrate the Server 2008 R2 FSMO DC to a new Server 2012 R2 DC in the same subnet at our data center? I have to retain the same IP addresses and hostnames.

Implementation List:

Install a Server 2012 R2 Member Server in the same subnet as the FSMO DC, promote to a DC

Move the FSMO roles to the Server 2012 R2 DC

Using powershell, change all alternate DNS servers on all DC"s and Member Servers to point to the new Server 2012 R2 DC

Using powershell, change all DHCP Server scope option (006 DNS Servers) alternate DNS servers to point to the new Server 2012 R2 DC

Move the Remote Desktop Licensing to the Server 2012 R2 DC

Let this settle for a week.

The 2008 R2 DC retains the ntpserver RE_SZ data to W32Time / parameters Key data for the time being

Demote the 2008 R2 DC. Move to a workgroup. Remove computer name from ADDS. Let the changes replicate.

Rebuild the 2008 R2 DC as a Server 2012 Member Server using the same IP address, hostname.

Promote to a Server 2012 R2 DC. Move FSMO roles to this DC.

Add  ntpserver RE_SZ data to W32Time / parameters Key

Move the Remote Desktop Licensing from the Server 2012 R2 DC to this newly built Server 2012 R2 DC

The big issue I have with this plan is changing the alternate DNS everywhere.

If any MVP's or someone with experience in 2008 R2 ADDS to Server 2012 ADDS and above migrations knows of a better way, please advise.

Thanks.

• Edited by DoJu 11 hours 47 minutes ago

Also you can configure the time server without touching the registry.

http://msmvps.com/blogs/acefekay/archive/2009/09/18/configuring-the-windows-time-service-for-windows-server.aspx

-Biswajit

Hi,

Regarding your request for some of our MVPs blog about this issue,

here are some links for reference:

Mr. Mwebers blog:

Upgrading an Active Directory Domain from Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012

Mr. Aces blog:

Remove an Old DC and Introduce a New DC with the Same Name and IP Address

Please also take a look into the below links:

Upgrading to Windows Server 2012 Part 1. Things to consider before the upgrade

Migrating Active Directory Domain Controller from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012

Hope this helps

Best regards

Michael