This course offers in-depth knowledge and hands-on guidance for migrating domain controllers from Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2019 in an offline environment. Participants will learn best practices for a secure and efficient migration of Active Directory, user profiles, DNS and DHCP services, and other essential configurations to the new server environment.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Introduction to Migration Processes
Overview of the migration process, from planning to implementation, with a focus on offline migration considerations.
Assessing the Existing Domain Environment
Conducting an inventory of current domain controllers, identifying dependencies, and reviewing network settings.
Planning for Domain and Forest Functional Level Upgrades
Key steps for upgrading to 2016 functional levels, covering compatibility requirements and benefits.
Preparing the New Windows Server 2019 Environment
Essential configuration steps for Windows Server 2019, including initial setup and Active Directory preparation.
Backup and Recovery Preparations
Creating system backups and Active Directory snapshots for recovery in case of migration issues.
Installing Active Directory on Windows Server 2019
Step-by-step setup process and best practices for domain controller installation.
Configuring Network Settings and IPs for New Domain Controllers
IP and gateway configuration for connectivity in offline scenarios, ensuring consistent network settings.
Migrating DNS to the New Domain Controller
DNS migration, including exporting records, configuring forwarders, and verifying the new setup.
Migrating DHCP to the New Domain Controller
Step-by-step transfer of DHCP scopes, reservations, and options to ensure service continuity.
Testing DNS and DHCP Services on the New Domain Controller
Methods to confirm DNS and DHCP functionality, including client testing and DNS resolution checks.
Overview of User Profile Migration Process
Review of options for transferring user data, focusing on roaming profiles from the old to the new server.
Migrating Roaming Profiles and Updating Profile Paths
Steps to migrate roaming profiles and update profile paths in Active Directory.
Ensuring Data Integrity in Profile Migration
Tools and methods to preserve profile data accessibility post-migration.
Testing Profile Access on the New Server
Testing user access to profiles to verify permissions and settings.
Troubleshooting Common Profile Migration Issues
Addressing frequent issues with permissions, file paths, and corrupted profiles.
Understanding Domain and Forest Functional Levels
Exploring benefits and requirements of upgrading to 2016 functional levels.
Raising Domain Functional Level to 2016
Step-by-step upgrade process, testing, and validation.
Raising Forest Functional Level to 2016
Implications of forest-level upgrades, verification, and compatibility.
Transferring FSMO Roles to New Domain Controllers
Understanding FSMO roles and detailed steps for transferring these roles.
Verifying FSMO Role Transfers and Troubleshooting Issues
Confirming successful role transfer and troubleshooting tips for common issues.
Changing Gateways of All Servers to the New Domain Controller’s Gateway
Updating network settings to route traffic through the new domain controller for optimized connectivity.
Demoting Legacy Domain Controllers
Safe methods for demoting and removing Windows Server 2012 domain controllers post-migration.
Validating the New Domain Controller Environment
Comprehensive testing of the new environment to ensure all services, including DNS and DHCP, are operational.
Monitoring and Maintenance Post-Migration
Best practices for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent issues.
Wrap-Up and Q&A Session
Recap of core concepts, open discussion, and answering participant question
