Windows 2003 Bare Metal Windows 2000 DC

  • Thread starter Thread starter Del
  • Start date Start date
D

Del

I need to restore a currently working Dell Windows 2000 single DC
server to another new Dell or HP server before it goes TU. No tape
drive available - prefer not to shut the DC down to install a SCSI
card. USB is working to external hard disk. The new server will
replace the old.

What is the best proven way?

Acronis Universal Restore / True Image?

Install W2K on new server and promote to backup DC then decomission
the original DC and resinstall the apps?

Restore an NT backup and hope the new server boots until I can get the
new drivers installed?

Other better ideas?

Thanks much for any ideas.
 
Del,

The problem with NT in general is that it will not boot up if the mass
storage controller is different. You have a couple of routes you can try.
First, I would try doing the backup and restore with the True Image /
Universal Restore. If that fails you may way want to try installing the
drivers for the scsi/sata drive controller from your new server onto your old
server before copying it. With a little luck Windows may boot if has the
drivers it needs. I would also recommend going to Windows 2003. It has a
repair mode that can be used in these situations. Basically, the repair mode
will redetect hardware and reinstall windows files but will leave your
apps/registry alone for the most part.

Jon

"Del" wrote:

> I need to restore a currently working Dell Windows 2000 single DC
> server to another new Dell or HP server before it goes TU. No tape
> drive available - prefer not to shut the DC down to install a SCSI
> card. USB is working to external hard disk. The new server will
> replace the old.
>
> What is the best proven way?
>
> Acronis Universal Restore / True Image?
>
> Install W2K on new server and promote to backup DC then decomission
> the original DC and resinstall the apps?
>
> Restore an NT backup and hope the new server boots until I can get the
> new drivers installed?
>
> Other better ideas?
>
> Thanks much for any ideas.
>
>
 
Your best bet will be to join the new server to the existing domain and
promote it to a domain controller. Transfer any FSMO roles contained on the
failing DC over to the newer DC. Once the roles have been moved, DCPROMO the
failing DC and you are done.

Another option is to perform a full NT backup including systems state to a
USB hard drive. Make sure that your new server is up-to-date with the same
service pack level as the server you are trying to move. If the servers are
not at the same service pack level, the restore will fail.

Setup your new server ensuring that the same partitions exist on the new
server that are currently on the old. install any required service packs,
attach the USB drvie then start NT backup on the new server and execute
restore. After reboot, assuming the HAL is similar enough to boot with the
restored drivers you should be good to go. If upon reboot it bluescreens you
can attempt a repair install from CD.

If your budget allows, it is much easier to accomplish this via windows
2003. If you can afford to upgrade to W2K3 you will have the option of a ASR
backup restore. ASR is ERD on crack. It is a 200% improvement over ERD and
allows you to easily restore server to different hardware.

Even better yet, have you considered moving your DCs to virtual server? It
will eliminate the hardware from ever being a problem again.
--
David Davis [MCSE, CISSP]



"Del" wrote:

> I need to restore a currently working Dell Windows 2000 single DC
> server to another new Dell or HP server before it goes TU. No tape
> drive available - prefer not to shut the DC down to install a SCSI
> card. USB is working to external hard disk. The new server will
> replace the old.
>
> What is the best proven way?
>
> Acronis Universal Restore / True Image?
>
> Install W2K on new server and promote to backup DC then decomission
> the original DC and resinstall the apps?
>
> Restore an NT backup and hope the new server boots until I can get the
> new drivers installed?
>
> Other better ideas?
>
> Thanks much for any ideas.
>
>
 
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