NT 4.0 Migration

[ErikD]

I have a job where I need to migrate off of NT 4.0 to Windows 2003 Server. I have been reading the Microsoft paper on this which recommends upgrading the NT 4 PDC in place, and thus getting AD up and running on that with all user and computer accounts. Then you can add in new servers, setup AD to replicate, and remove the older server.

I am wondering if it would be possible to just install a Windows 2003 Server in mixed mode, let everything replicate to that, and then get AD running. I have a feeling it won't work, but worth asking. It just seems to me that doing an in place upgrade and all of that seems like a lot of work for this. Especially if the goal is to remove the physical NT server too.

[YeOldeStonecat]

How many clients on this network? I've stayed away from doing the "upgrade" path....IMO too much "junk" comes along into the new server.

I've done it using the migration utility...sometimes gives a hiccup or two..

Or on smaller networks...I'll tend to lean towards pulling the workstations from the old domain...joining the new domain..then after logging into the new domain under that user to create the new Docs 'n Settings profile...I'll log in as domain admin under safe mode w/network support...and go in and copy over "stuff" from the old profile into the new one. It sounds complicated..but on smaller networks..it's such a safe bet...you KNOW it works...there's NO hiccups, and it's really not as time consuming as it sounds.

Of course there's a point where the network is too large...and it become impractical. I figure that somewhere around the 30-ish mark...depending on other factors.

Is Exchange involved?

[ErikD]

Yeah actually starting from scratch was on top of my list too. Less than 10 users and only domain controller and files/print server functionality are used. I probably will just build up a new server, new domain, and just join everyone and copy profiles. I have actually done this to move from workgroup to domain.