Introduction..
This article will give you the guidance to perform server migration from Windows server 2003 to Windows Server 2016. To make things easier entire tutorial is divided into 5 steps.
- Prepare Server 2003 for Migration
- Install Active Directory and promote (Server 2016)
- Confirm Replication & DNS in Server 2003 and 2016
- Transfer FSMO roles to the new server (Server 2016)
- Uninstall Old DC (Server 2003)
01. Prepare Server 2003 for Migration
In the Server 2003, Raise domain and forest functional levels to Windows Server 2003
02. Install Active Directory and promote (Server 2016)
Configure appropriate network settings. (Keep in mind that after server migration DNS server will be changed)
Join Server 2016 to the existing domain
Install Active Directory
Select Active Directory Domain Services and DNS server
After Installation completes Select Promote This Server to a Domain Controller
Keep the default Selection Add a domain controller to existing domain..
Type DSRM password
Click Install and Wait for a bit until installation completes and restarts
03. Confirm Replication & DNS in Server 2003 and 2016
Replicate using Active Directory Sites and Services
Check DNS
04. Transfer FSMO roles to the new server (Server 2016)
There are 5 FSMO roles which you have to Transfer From server 2003 to the new server 2016. You can do that either using powershell commands or GUI.
- Schema master
- Domain naming master
- RID master
- PDC emulator
- Infrastructure master
Type Netdom Query FSMO powershell command in the new server 2016 to check the current FSMO roles and their owner
Transfer the RID master, PDC emulator and Infrastructure Master Roles
Server Manager > Tools > Active Directory Users and Computers
In the MMC right click on the domain name and select operations masters
Change all three of them
Transfer domain naming master role
Server Manager > Tools > Active Directory Domains and Trusts
In the MMC, right click on Active Directory Domains and Trusts > Operations Master…
Transfer schema master role
Type run command regsvr32 schmmgmt.dll and Press OK in the next window
Type run command mmc
File > Add/Remove Snap-in…
Add Active Directory Schema and Press OK
Right click Active Directory Schema and click Change Active Directory Domain Controller
Select New Server 2016 from the list and Press OK
Right click Active Directory Schema > Operation Master and Press Change
Confirm that all the 5 FSMO roles have been moved to the new 2016 DC using Netdom Query FSMO command
05. Uninstall Old DC (Server 2003)
Now it is time to get rid of the old DC.
Type DCPromo in the RUN
Keep the default (do not tick Delete the domain because this server is the last domain controller in the domain)
Type Password
Click Next..
Click Finish to End the Removal process
Restart the Server
Notice that In the Server 2016, old Server is moved From Domain Controllers to Computers
