

Process for replacing NT4 PDC with Win2k server

I'm replacing NT4 PDC with a Win2k server. I have an NT4 PDC that is going to be replaced by a Win2k server. I have one extra PC available to me for this migration. My plan is to:

  1. Install Win2k server as a member of NT domain.
  2. Install NT on extra PC and make it a BDC.
  3. Promote BDC to PDC.
  4. Turn off BDC (was original PDC).
  5. Upgrade new PDC to Win2k
  6. Run DCPROMO on Win2k member server.
  7. Demote the "upgraded" Win2k DC.
  8. Hope it all works.

Does this seem like a good way to approach this? Any other ideas?

This is reasonable. HOWEVER, you need an additional step. Step 6a. Migrate the FSMO roles to new Windows 2000 DC. The FSMO roles will all be held by the first Windows 2000 DC in the domain. These roles need to be moved prior to taking the temporary machine offline or demoting it. You can use NTDSUTIL or several of the MMCs to move the roles. See the MS article 234790 -- How-to: Find servers that hold the Flexible Single Master Operations Roles.
This was last published in September 2003

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