Converting from nt4 server to SBS

[Booshanky]

Ok, I've decided that I'm not going to migrate any of the settings from the NT4 box to the new SBS server, I'm just going to set up everything from scratch.

What seems to be a problem is that I'd like to have everything be seamless for the client PC's, but when I set them up on the new domain it of course gives them a new profile in windows xp. And all the stuff they've set up on their computers, (programs, windows settings, backgrounds etc), all stay with the old account.

So I guess my question is this: is there any way to set the client PC's up on the new domain and yet still have everything look exactly the same for them?

 

[tyanni]

you can use USMT (User State Migration Tool) to scan the pc's prior to moving them to the new domain and then load the settings onto the new accounts once the machines are moved... Or you could copy the profiles up to the network and then down again after the migration. Not sure if roaming profiles are supported in a NT4 domain, but it may also be an option.

Tim

 

[Booshanky]

I don't think that USMT works on windows XP.

 

[stash]

Sure it does...the latest version does. It is one of the key compnents in the Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) scenarios, which include migrating a user from an old XP machine to a new one.

 

[RebateMonger]

When you join PCs to the new SBS domain using the "ConnectComputer" SBS wizard, (http://myserver/connectcomputer in Internet Explorer) you have the choice of migrating the user's old (local) profile to their new Domain account. So, as long as their desired profile is included in a Local account on their XP computer, it can be migrated to their SBS profile with one click.

 

[Booshanky]

Ok, i'm a complete liar and/or retard. Turns out i'm not using SBS, i'm using server 2003 "enterprise edition".

So i'm guessing that may be why that connect computer sbs wizard doesnt work for me?

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Booshanky
Ok, i'm a complete liar and/or retard. Turns out i'm not using SBS, i'm using server 2003 "enterprise edition".

So i'm guessing that may be why that connect computer sbs wizard doesnt work for me?

LOL. Yup. That would do it.

SBS has some very kewl wizards that really make life easier for setting up, managing, monitoring, and accessing servers and PCs. It's too bad they don't work for "full" Windows Server 2003.

 

[Booshanky]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: Booshanky
Ok, i'm a complete liar and/or retard. Turns out i'm not using SBS, i'm using server 2003 "enterprise edition".

So i'm guessing that may be why that connect computer sbs wizard doesnt work for me?

LOL. Yup. That would do it.

SBS has some very kewl wizards that really make life easier for setting up, managing, monitoring, and accessing servers and PCs. It's too bad they don't work for "full" Windows Server 2003.

Well, right now i'm just using a trial version of server 03 to get a feel for it. Maybe i'll get the trial version of SBS. We're not doing anything SUPER crazy here that would necessitate having an "enterprise" edition of it.

EDIT: Speaking of which, is there anywhere I can download a trial version of SBS?

 

[RebateMonger]

I don't think there's a downloadable version anymore. However, you can request a CD set from Microsoft. Or locate a local Microsoft Small Business Specialist. If they are like me, they have several demo CD sets of SBS disks on hand.

Be aware that installing SBS is a bit different than other Server 2003 products. If the install isn't done correctly, you end up with a useless mess. Normally, you need to do a couple of installs before you really understand how to do it correctly. I just finished having to completely re-install an OEM SBS on a new Dell Server. The client called me after another consultant (who'd never used SBS) totally messed up the install. That's why Microsoft established the "Small Business Specialist" program: To keep customers from being turned off by poor SBS installs.

What I'm saying is:
SBS is a very kewl product. Installed correctly, it's super-easy to use and manage. But be sure you get the install right.....

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
I don't think there's a downloadable version anymore. However, you can request a CD set from Microsoft

Link at the end of this page, http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/trial/default.mspx

:sun:

 

[RebateMonger]

Thanks, Jack. I was feeling lazy today.

 

[Booshanky]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
I don't think there's a downloadable version anymore. However, you can request a CD set from Microsoft. Or locate a local Microsoft Small Business Specialist. If they are like me, they have several demo CD sets of SBS disks on hand.

Be aware that installing SBS is a bit different than other Server 2003 products. If the install isn't done correctly, you end up with a useless mess. Normally, you need to do a couple of installs before you really understand how to do it correctly. I just finished having to completely re-install an OEM SBS on a new Dell Server. The client called me after a consultant (who'd never used SBS) totally messed up the install.

What I'm saying is:
SBS is a very kewl product. Installed correctly, it's super-easy to use and manage. But be sure you get the install right.....

That's kinda why i'd like to have a demo version, just so I can do a couple of installs and get the feel of it without having to shell out a bunch of money up front. Oh well, i'll see if i can find a way around it.

Well, would you happen to know how to do the same sort of trick in the version of windows i've got now?


Oh and Stash, when I tried to run USMT on my computer, it gave me an error message and this is what was in the log,

Scanstate can only be run on Windows NT 4, Windows 95, and Windows 98.

 

[stash]

Are you running version 2.6?
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta...-4C52-A203-8DAF944DD555&displaylang=en

 

[Booshanky]

Originally posted by: STaSh
Are you running version 2.6?
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta...-4C52-A203-8DAF944DD555&displaylang=en

Well, i guess I wasnt using it. but i'm still having a bit of a hard time figuring out exactly how that tool works. (i've never been good with command line stuff)

Lets say I just want to copy over all the settings of the account i'm logged into, and then add those settings to a new account i'd log into on the new domain. What's the easiest way to do that in the command line?