Training Course: Domain Controllers Migration from Windows

Introduction:

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.

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 critical configurations and data, including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and user profiles.
• Update domain and forest functional levels.
• Modify server gateways and safely demote legacy domain controllers.

Course Outline:

Day 1: Preparing for Migration

• 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.

Day 2: Setting Up and Configuring New Domain Controllers

• 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.

Day 3: Migrating User Profiles and Roaming Profile Paths

• 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.

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

• 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.

Day 5: Post-Migration Tasks and Cleanup

• 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