Server 2008

feroz syed 1 Reputation point
2022-09-04T14:38:07.08+00:00

Hello,

i am using Win server 2008 act as DC which include ADs DHCP and DNS, this server running from longtime, we looking for upgrade the win server from 2008 to 2019.

First i need to backup the win 2008 server, in case if something goes wrong the backup may help, please suggest me what is the best way to take DC backup from system state, even the hard drive fail, i can able to restore it on another drive to resume the system state.

once backup job complete, i will continue the upgrade prerequisites process.

Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2022-09-04T14:39:08.087+00:00

    You can follow along here to take a full backup.
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-backing-up-a-full-server

    The two prerequisites to introducing the first 2019 or 2022 domain controller are that domain functional level needs to be 2008 or higher and older sysvol FRS replication needs to have been migrated to DFSR
    https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Storage-at-Microsoft/Streamlined-Migration-of-FRS-to-DFSR-SYSVOL/ba-p/425405

    I'd use dcdiag / repadmin tools to verify health correcting all errors found before starting any operations. Then stand up the new 2019 or 2022, 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--

  2. Limitless Technology 39,391 Reputation points
    2022-09-06T07:30:27.553+00:00

    Hello there,

    Always backup the System State, which includes DNS Server, Windows System Files, DC Registry, Sysvol directory, COM+ Class Registration Database, Certificate Services Database, etc.

    Use the following procedure to perform a system state backup on a DC by using Windows Server Backup or wbadmin.exe.

    AD Forest Recovery - Backing up the System State data https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-backing-up-system-state

    There are some tools in the directory recovery mode that can scan and repair the AD database, such as NTDSutil.

    Check out http://support.microsoft.com/kb/232122 and http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;258062 and http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930832

    I hope this information helps. If you have any questions please let me know and I will be glad to help you out.

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