Migrating AD, DNS, and Exchange (single-label domain...)

MrPearson · 12-17-2007, 08:58 AM

Hi all! My first post here...let's see if I can get all the information you need in one post!

I'm getting ready to move our Exchange server to new hardware. This server is also running Active Directory, DHCP, and DNS...all on a single label domain. DHCP I can move no problem, we don't have any reservations so it's just a matter of recreating the options...maybe a 5 minute process at most.

The problem I'm running into is trying to test this move first. I set-up a test environment, however I am unable to recreate the single-label domain correctly. I've tried to follow the steps the company originally took to get it to work (Server 2000 -> Server 2003 migration), but no matter what I do I can't get it to register correctly with DNS. And of course, if it's not right in DNS, then I can't move FSMO roles in AD...

My thought is to create a test domain correctly (domain.local), then another with the soon to be new correct label (newdomain.com), and try testing moving on that. My thinking is that since our current domain registered (somehow) in DNS correctly, that it should work the same as a correctly labeled domain when it comes to moving data.

Anyone done anything like this before? And for the record, I know that exchange really shouldn't be running on the same box as AD...that's another fight for another day...

Thanks for any help you guys can give me!

**XtabbedoutX** · 12-17-2007, 01:12 PM

Why don't you just join the new hardware to the domain and demote the old one. This will move the AD, DC, and DNS. You should be familiar with running adprep and DCpromo before doing this type of move.

I am not sure on moving Exchange though.

tagwar · 12-30-2007, 12:22 AM

i have almost the same issue

but with diffrent scinario

i will explain i new post with full information

12-17-2007, 08:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
MrPearson Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1 OS: XP Pro SP2	Migrating AD, DNS, and Exchange (single-label domain...) Hi all! My first post here...let's see if I can get all the information you need in one post! I'm getting ready to move our Exchange server to new hardware. This server is also running Active Directory, DHCP, and DNS...all on a single label domain. DHCP I can move no problem, we don't have any reservations so it's just a matter of recreating the options...maybe a 5 minute process at most. The problem I'm running into is trying to test this move first. I set-up a test environment, however I am unable to recreate the single-label domain correctly. I've tried to follow the steps the company originally took to get it to work (Server 2000 -> Server 2003 migration), but no matter what I do I can't get it to register correctly with DNS. And of course, if it's not right in DNS, then I can't move FSMO roles in AD... My thought is to create a test domain correctly (domain.local), then another with the soon to be new correct label (newdomain.com), and try testing moving on that. My thinking is that since our current domain registered (somehow) in DNS correctly, that it should work the same as a correctly labeled domain when it comes to moving data. Anyone done anything like this before? And for the record, I know that exchange really shouldn't be running on the same box as AD...that's another fight for another day... Thanks for any help you guys can give me!

12-17-2007, 01:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
XtabbedoutX TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 1,189 OS: Server 2K3 R2 SP 2, Server 2K SP4, XP PRO SP 3, Mac OS X 10.5, iPhone My System	Re: Migrating AD, DNS, and Exchange (single-label domain...) Why don't you just join the new hardware to the domain and demote the old one. This will move the AD, DC, and DNS. You should be familiar with running adprep and DCpromo before doing this type of move. I am not sure on moving Exchange though.

12-30-2007, 12:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
tagwar Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 3 OS: XP, 2003	Re: Migrating AD, DNS, and Exchange (single-label domain...) i have almost the same issue but with diffrent scinario i will explain i new post with full information