Connect two different domain servers to transfer data

domain-controllerupgrade

Planning an upgrade from 2003 (Small Business Server) to 2012, question is how to transfer the data.

Can I connect these two servers together by connecting by IP number and using simple file sharing or will the issue of them being on two different domains prevent this? What about if I use the same domain name for both servers, how will having two domain controllers on the same network temporarily work out.

I realize that we could demote the old server to be a simple server and not a domain controller, that could then be added to the new domain. However I would prefer to leave the old server configured as is to act as a backup in case of any problems with the new server.

Edit:
Guess I wasn't clear here, when I say upgrade all I meant was that we are buying a new server and installing Server 2012 on it. The old server is running 2003. Question is if both servers are on the network at the same time will one be able to see the other? Bear in mind that they are both going to be domain controllers.

Best Answer

  1. Get your terminology right. You cannot upgrade from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012. What you are doing is migrating from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012.

  2. Don't overcomplicate things. Either use an external USB drive to transfer the data or transfer it over the network (via UNC path) and provide the appropriate credentials when prompted. There's nothing about this that needs to be complicated.

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