AD domain name change/migration

[Ian Wilson]

We are running Windows Server 2003 with single label domain name. Since past couple of months we are facing several problems with this server but that is not my concern here. Actually in next few days we are going to have lot of projects that are required to install AD incorporated software. So before we start with those projects I would like to upgrade my domain to Windows Server 2008 and at the same time use new FQDN. Regarding the same I would like to know few things:

DO I need to creat new 2008 Domain and migrate users, objects, etc. using MS migration tool. If yes, please let me know how.
Can I rename existing 2003 domain then upgrade to 2008? Or do I need to upgrade existing to 2008 and then rename?

Please help.

[Tanvir]

As far as create new 2008 domain and migrate users ect with Migration tool is concerned, Microsoft has several very important Knowledge Base articles which you should go through to understand everything properly and with proper step by step process. Here are following:

• Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT) Guide: Migrating and Restructuring Active Directory Domains http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downl....aspx?id=19188
• Active Directory Migration Tool version 3.1: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downl....aspx?id=17918
• Password Export Server version 3.1 (x64): http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downl...s.aspx?id=1838
• Password Export Server version 3.1 (x86): http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/downl....aspx?id=10370

And as per your second query, here are articles you need to go through:

• What Is Domain Rename?: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...8WS.10%29.aspx
• How Domain Rename Works: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...8WS.10%29.aspx
• Active Directory Domain Rename - Not Difficult At All: http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/di...ons/102-229757
• Appendix C: Checklists for the Domain Rename Operation: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...8WS.10%29.aspx

[kingunge]

Dear all,

I have a similar problem, ...

Will like a clean install of a new Win 2008 Domain in the same Forest, then migrate users into the new domain. I have Exchange 2003 installed. What are the steps?

Will my computers in the old domain be recognised? What about the mailboxes?

rgds
kingunge