How to transfer user files to a new windows domain?

Question

Where I work, we are in the process of migrating to a new domain running Windows Server 2008 R2 since the current domain name doesn't fit anymore and is running on Windows Server 2003.

We have 4 brand new servers set up by themselves running on a new domain ready to take over the roles of the 4 older servers. We have ample time (3 months or so) to come up with a step by step plan on how to do this.

We've decided to start new since the old domain was messed up by a previous IT staff and we aren't concerned with group policy since we are going to rebuild it.

However we would like to somehow transfer over the Active Directory user info and such instead of re-creating it. Is there a way to do that?

Also we need to transfer all the user files and home directories as well.

I'm mostly in charge of the migration but the thing is I'm not sure how to transfer hundreds of Gigs of user files AND their file permissions from the old domain to the new domain or what will happen.

I also don't know how to export and import the active directory information.

Usually we'd do a normal server role transfer but we don't want to join the new servers to the old domain.

How should I go about this migration?

Answer 1

Well in short it is not an easy procedure. One of the big problems is the schemas do not match up between 2008 and 2003, much less R2.



So you have a couple options:



1: Dumb down the schema on the 2008 R2 DC, then you can move over the schema. Then add the new computers as DC's in the domain. You can change the FSMO roles on the fly. Unfortunately this brings along the sins of the previous AD, but this preserves all the permission tokens of the users.



2: Bite the bullet and redo the permissions. File transfers are the simple part. (I use robocopy myself)



I just completed a 2003 R2 -> 2008 R2 conversion myself. It was a lot of 'fun'... not lol



My advice, if you indeed have 3 months, just rebuild it. Do it right the first time and you won't have this headache next time as the previous IT staff apparantly did not stay true to accepted procedures.

Answer 2

There are multiple scripts for migrating users and account settings, keep the userids the same and consider a backup server/ software that you can push, email clients or consider cloud hosting or NAS and email warnings. Please use you Google Fu for the AD scripts

Answer 3

If that workplace computing gadget is easily set up with an internet site - end!!!!! whilst a working laptop or workstation is desperate up in an internet site, a hidden record is put in to allow you to log into the gadget whilst no longer linked on your area changing the gadget to a artwork group destroys the record the only thank you to get into the gadget after that is to log in applying the credentials OF the guy who set up THE gadget initially. there is not any different way IN Use a USB key and circulate the data do no longer attempt to community THEM wish this gets to you in time

Answer 4

I think you can go to User Accounts.