Training Course: Domain Controllers Migration from Windows

Introduction

This comprehensive course is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for managing and migrating domain controllers in an offline environment. With a focus on migrating from Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2019, participants will learn essential techniques to ensure a smooth transition. Topics include best practices for migrating Active Directory, DNS, DHCP services, user profiles, and other critical configurations, along with how to manage domain controllers effectively throughout the process.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Plan and execute a domain controller migration in an offline environment.
• Migrate essential services, such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and user profiles.
• Upgrade domain and forest functional levels for compatibility with Windows Server 2019.
• Safely demote legacy domain controllers and modify server gateways for optimized network connectivity.

Course Outlines

Day 1: Preparing for Migration

• Introduction to Migration Processes: Understanding the migration process from planning to implementation with a focus on offline domain controller migration.
• Assessing the Existing Domain Environment: Conducting an inventory of current domain controllers and network settings.
• Planning for Domain and Forest Functional Level Upgrades: Key steps for upgrading functional levels, covering compatibility and benefits.
• Preparing the New Windows Server 2019 Environment: Initial setup of Windows Server 2019 and Active Directory preparation for migration.
• Backup and Recovery Preparations: Ensuring system backups and creating Active Directory snapshots for recovery in case of migration issues.

Day 2: Setting Up and Configuring New Domain Controllers

• Installing Active Directory on Windows Server 2019: Step-by-step domain controller installation and best practices.
• Configuring Network Settings and IPs for New Domain Controllers: Ensuring offline scenarios work with proper network settings and connectivity.
• Migrating DNS to the New Domain Controller: DNS migration, configuring forwarders, and validating the new setup.
• Migrating DHCP to the New Domain Controller: Transferring DHCP scopes, reservations, and options to maintain service continuity.
• Testing DNS and DHCP Services on the New Domain Controller: Ensuring DNS and DHCP functionality post-migration.

Day 3: Migrating User Profiles and Roaming Profile Paths

• Overview of User Profile Migration Process: Options and strategies for migrating roaming profiles.
• Migrating Roaming Profiles and Updating Profile Paths: Steps to transfer roaming profiles and update paths in Active Directory.
• Ensuring Data Integrity in Profile Migration: Techniques for preserving profile data during the migration.
• Testing Profile Access on the New Server: Verifying user profile accessibility on the new domain controller.
• Troubleshooting Common Profile Migration Issues: Addressing issues related to permissions and file paths.

Day 4: Raising Domain and Forest Functional Levels & Transferring FSMO Roles

• Understanding Domain and Forest Functional Levels: Benefits of upgrading to 2016 functional levels.
• Raising Domain Functional Level to 2016: Step-by-step process for domain level upgrades.
• Raising Forest Functional Level to 2016: Verifying and validating forest-level upgrades.
• Transferring FSMO Roles to New Domain Controllers: Detailed steps for transferring FSMO roles, ensuring consistency.
• Verifying FSMO Role Transfers and Troubleshooting Issues: Ensuring successful role transfer and troubleshooting potential issues.

Day 5: Post-Migration Tasks and Cleanup

• Changing Gateways of All Servers to the New Domain Controller’s Gateway: Configuring network settings to route traffic through the new domain controller.
• Demoting Legacy Domain Controllers: Safe removal of legacy Windows Server 2012 domain controllers after migration.
• Validating the New Domain Controller Environment: Comprehensive testing to ensure all domain controller services, including DNS and DHCP, are operational.
• Monitoring and Maintenance Post-Migration: Best practices for ongoing domain controller management and issue prevention.
• Wrap-Up and Q&A Session: Final recap of key concepts with open discussions and participant questions.

Why Attend This Course: Wins or Losses!

By attending this course, you will:

• Gain in-depth knowledge on domain controller migration from Windows Server 2012 to 2019, a critical skill for IT professionals managing Active Directory and network services.
• Learn the best practices and techniques for migrating critical configurations such as DNS, DHCP, and Active Directory, ensuring a smooth and secure transition.
• Master the tools and strategies necessary for safely demoting legacy domain controllers, updating functional levels, and transferring FSMO roles.
• Be able to manage domain controller security, optimize network settings, and troubleshoot migration issues effectively, preventing downtime and service interruptions.
• Stay ahead of technological changes and enhance your professional skills in domain controller management, boosting your expertise and career potential in the field of IT infrastructure.

Conclusion

This course is ideal for IT professionals looking to upgrade their knowledge and skills in domain controller migration. By mastering the process of migrating from Windows Server 2012 to 2019, you will ensure a smooth transition that optimizes network services, improves security, and guarantees the stability of your Active Directory environment. Whether you're managing domain controller roles, migrating DNS, or ensuring a smooth user profile migration, this training will equip you with all the tools necessary for a successful migration and post-migration environment. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your technical expertise and take your career to the next level!