disk2vhd to upgrade corrupted server2016 on current hardware

Question

i would like to know the steps if possible to save my current server2016 installation w/o moving to new hardware

can i move my current OS to a VHD, install Server2016 from USB into new SSD, will it detect the VHD instance and allow me no move the roles over and then shut the vhd down?

Answer 1

What roles are you asking about? Active directory domain services? The simplest solution is to stand up a new one on destination.

I'd use dcdiag / repadmin tools to verify health correcting all errors found before starting any operations. Then stand up the new 2016, patch it fully, license it, join existing domain, add active directory domain services, promote it also making it a GC (recommended), transfer FSMO roles over (optional), transfer pdc emulator role (optional), use dcdiag / repadmin tools to again verify health, when all is good you can decommission / demote old one.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

Hello Mark Kaye

Firstly, it is recommended to setup the new installation to replace the old installation. Then install the role and feature you needed. It is a clean environment and not prone to problems.

Secondly, Yes, it is possible to save your current Server 2016 installation without moving to new hardware by following these steps:

Create a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) of your current Server 2016 installation:

Open Disk Management in Server 2016.

Click on “Action” in the menu and select “Create VHD”.

Specify the location and size for the VHD and choose the “Fixed Size” option.

Once the VHD is created, right-click on it and select “Attach VHD” to mount it.

Install Server 2016 on a new SSD:

Create a bootable USB drive with Server 2016 installation media.

Connect the new SSD to your server.

Boot from the USB drive and follow the installation wizard to install Server 2016 onto the new SSD.

Transfer roles and data from the VHD to the new Server 2016 installation:

Once the new Server 2016 installation is complete, make sure both the VHD and new SSD are connected to the server.

Start the server and boot into the new Server 2016 installation.

Open Server Manager and go to “Add Roles and Features”.

Select the desired roles and features and complete the installation.

Once the roles and features are installed, you can transfer the data from the VHD to the new installation by copying it over.

Shut down the VHD:

After you have successfully transferred all the necessary roles and data, you can shut down the VHD instance.

Open Disk Management, right-click on the VHD, and select “Detach VHD” to safely remove it from the system.

It is important to note that this process requires careful planning and backup of your data to avoid any data loss.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

Answer 3

i am finally back to this

i'm not a sysadmin, just know enough to be dangerous

i used disk2vhd to create a VM of my corrupted server2016 install

i tried using Create VHD, it created and attached a VHD, but all i get is an uninitialized drive? how do i get my running server in there?

what exactly do i need to do to 'Transfer roles and data from the VHD to the new Server 2016 installation"? adprep?

all my data is on drive D:, a storage pool, once i have new install on SSD and roles moved over i will reconnect all the drives and it should see my serverfolders as they were?

i might not even know enough to be dangerous...