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Migrating from Windows NT Domain to Windows Active Directory

All of the information, instructions, and recommendations on this Web site are offered on a strictly "as is" basis. Remember "Murphy's Law." Please take the proper precautions before attempting any of the tips or modifications listed here.

Contents

• Upgrading From Windows NT 4.0 Domain to Windows 2000 Active Directory
• Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT)
• Best Practice Active Directory Design for Managing Windows Networks
• Upgrading a Windows NT Domain to Windows 2000 Active Directory
• Active Directory, DNS, Mirgation Links
• Computer Tips Index

Upgrading From Windows NT 4.0 Domain to Windows 2000 Active Directory

In order to retain user accounts, etc. you must upgrade an existing PDC to Windows 2000 AD. But you need to cover yourself in case something goes wrong during the migration process. The following steps risk only a spare computer that will be taken offline when finished.

1. Install Windows NT Server 4.0 Service Pack 4 (SP4) or later on a spare computer making it into a BCD (Backup Domain Controller) in the existing domain.
2. Promote the spare computer to be the PDC (Primary Domain Controller).
3. Upgrade this spare computer to Windows 2000 Server.
4. Install Windows 2000 Server on your new computer.
5. Run DCPromo to make the new computer an Active Directory controller.
6. Run DCPromo on the spare computer to demote it. (This transfers the FSMO roles to your new AD computer)
7. Turn off netlogon service on the former PDC (now running as a BDC) so that it won’t authenticate logons but not correctly apply group policies.