Moving primary domain controller to new server

I have just purchased a new server that will be the new primary domain controller. I was wondering if anyone knew any articles or tutorials on how to do this change over? I would imagine it is just simply setting up the role and importing a backup of the Active Directory from the old domain controller. I just want to make sure I'm not missing any crucial tasks in between.

Solution 1:

• Add new computer to domain
• Promote system to a domain controller (dcpromo)
• Transfer FSMO roles
• Verify/Make the new system a Global Catalog.
• Wait some time for replication to take place. Run dcdiag/repadmin and so on to make sure everything transferred
• Demote old system (dcpromo)
• Double check DNS zones & AD to make sure old system was removed.

Migrate any other data or services as needed.

Of course you could leave the old system up so you have another spare DC.

Solution 2:

In addition to what Zoredache stated in his answer, make sure to update all of the domain clients to use the new DC for DNS.

On a side note, if the original DC you're replacing is the only DC in the domain, then running DCPROMO on the original DC will transfer the FSMO roles to the new DC without the need to manually transfer them. If it's not the only DC in the domain, then DCPROMO will transfer the FSMO roles to another DC, I'm just not sure how it selects the DC to assume the roles.

Solution 3:

Something that I didn't see anyone else mention is time services. Your PDC is presumably the primary time keeper for the domain...that role/config should be redone on the new PDC.