Replacing NT server with 2003 server

[Brian]

I have a windows nt server that is our domain controller and would like
to replace it with a windows 2003 server. I also have a windows 2000
server which is a slave to the NT server. Can I setup the windows 2003
server with the same server name and domain name as the nt, shut the nt
down and unplug from the network and plug in the 2003 server and fire
it up. Then if I start the 2000 server will it recognize the 2003 as
the master? Just trying to come up with the eaisest way to do this. If
not can you give me some other options. Thanks

 

[Danny Sanders]

Can I setup the windows 2003

server with the same server name and domain name as the nt, shut the nt
down and unplug from the network and plug in the 2003 server and fire
it up. Then if I start the 2000 server will it recognize the 2003 as
the master? Just trying to come up with the eaisest way to do this. If
not can you give me some other options. Thanks

No. The server name and domain would be the same but the SAM would be
different. Different SAM = different domain to your clients. In order to
carry the NT 4.0 SAM into the AD domain you must upgrade the NT 4.0 PDC
first.

Your best bet (and easiest) to keep the same server name and domain name
would be to upgrade your existing PDC first.

I would suggest reading up on upgrade vs. migration. Each has it's pros and
cons. Choose the wrong way and you may have to format and reinstall to
recover. Your initial scenario would cause you to format and reinstall, or
at the very least cause you a lot of un necessary work.

See:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326209/en-us for upgrading. FYI you *can*
remove Win 2k3 from your new server and install NT 4.0 on it as a BDC while
connected to your existing network, promote to PDC then upgrade it to Win
2k3.

See:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/832221/en-us for migrating. To migrate you
need to create a trust between the two domains. They can't have the same
name. You can work out renaming the NT domain before you start or rename the
AD domain when you are finished.

hth
DDS

 

[Brian]

Thanks Danny,

I have a few more questions. My NT 4.0 system is a Proliant 1600 with
261,556 KB of RAM. Will this handle 2003 server? Will I be able to use
the 2003 cd that comes with the new server to upgrade the old NT
server? Thanks again for the help.

 

[Danny Sanders]

I have a few more questions. My NT 4.0 system is a Proliant 1600 with

261,556 KB of RAM. Will this handle 2003 server?

See:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/sysreqs/default.mspx


Will I be able to use

the 2003 cd that comes with the new server to upgrade the old NT
server? Thanks again for the help.

You can run i386\winnt32.exe /checkupgradeonly from the Win2k3 CD and see if
you will have problems.


hth
DDS

 

[Brian]

Thanks for the help.

See:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/sysreqs/default.mspx


Will I be able to use

You can run i386\winnt32.exe /checkupgradeonly from the Win2k3 CD and see if
you will have problems.


hth
DDS