Best approach to migrate NT 4 to Windows 2k Server

[LuckyTaxi]

I'm helping a friend at his workplace migrate his NT 4 domain to Windows 2k Server. He's got over 400 accounts, and he's buying a new server for the PDC. So, what's the best way to do this without losing the accounts? Demote the current PDC and make that a BDC. Install Windows 2k on the new server and create a new domain. Resync and hope it works? My question is, how will the new PDC see the 400 accounts? Also, what will happen to the NT 4 machines? We want to get rid of 4.0 and just run 2000

 

[lowtech1]

Synch all BDCs to PDC, then install Windows 2000 Advance Server on the PDC in mixed mode. You can then install & join the new Win2k Server to the Domain and make it a partner Domain Controler. Then upgrade all BDC to Win2k & switch to Native mode. Once you join a Win2k to the domain & make it a partner Domain controler the install wizard will walk you through the process & replicate.

Personally I feel that you should get a few beater boxes for testing, and created a NT4 domain then upgrade it to Windows 2000 to make sure you follows all of the necessary steps such as creating an Active Directory, DNS & DHCP.
I have had heart burns, because I had to rescue a client Domain with out a full backup. They called me in after the upgrade went sour, and it cost them alot of money. It is best to bring in a person that have experience of migrating NT4 domain to Win2k domain to save you the grieve & money if you are unsure of the process.

[/b]Ghost or Full backup of the PDC for a peace of mind[/b]

Upgrade NT4 domain to Windows 2000 domain.