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Active Directory domain controllers use a special shared folder named SYSVOL to replicate sign-in scripts and Group Policy object files to other domain controllers. Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 used the File Replication Service (FRS) to replicate the SYSVOL folder and its contents. Current versions of Windows Server use the newer Distributed File System Replication (DFS Replication) service, which was introduced in Windows Server 2008, for domains that use the Windows Server 2008 domain functional level or later. Windows Server 2008 uses FRS for domains that run older domain functional levels.
If you're running a domain that uses FRS, you can migrate the replication of the SYSVOL folder to use DFS Replication. This migration is a one-way process. After you migrate to DFS Replication, you can't revert to FRS.
This article provides a guide to help you migrate the SYSVOL folder from FRS to DFS Replication. The migration process is complex and requires careful planning and execution. The guide includes information about the migration process, prerequisites, and procedures.
Prerequisites
This article assumes you have a basic knowledge of Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), FRS, and Distributed File System Replication (DFS Replication). For more information, see:
Printable download
To download a printable version of this guide, go to SYSVOL Replication Migration Guide: FRS to DFS Replication.
Migration articles
The SYSVOL migration guide provides articles that describe a range of concepts and procedures from the use of FRS to the use DFS. Use the following list to access articles about migrating the SYSVOL folder to use DFS Replication.
Concepts
Review these concepts about SYSVOL migration states for a basic understanding of the migration tasks.
- SYSVOL migration conceptual information
- SYSVOL migration states
- Overview of the SYSVOL migration procedure
Procedures
Follow these SYSVOL migration procedures for a basic understanding of the migration states.
- SYSVOL migration procedure
- Migrate to the Prepared state
- Migrate to the Redirected state
- Migrate to the Eliminated state
Troubleshooting
Access these articles that describe known issues and provide troubleshooting guidance.
- Troubleshooting SYSVOL migration
- Troubleshooting SYSVOL migration issues
- Rolling back SYSVOL migration to a previous stable state
References
The following resources offer supplemental reference information:
- SYSVOL migration reference information
- Supported SYSVOL migration scenarios
- Verifying the state of SYSVOL migration
- Dfsrmig
- SYSVOL migration tool actions
Related links
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 1 – Introduction to the SYSVOL migration process
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 2 – Dfsrmig.exe: The SYSVOL migration tool
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 3 - Migrating to the 'PREPARED' state
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 4 – Migrating to the 'REDIRECTED' state
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 5 – Migrating to the 'ELIMINATED' state
- Distributed File System step-by-step guide for Windows Server 2008
- FRS technical reference