Category: Microsoft Windows Server

In this blog, we’ll move the roles on our Server2008 (Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1) Active Directory Migration server to Server2016 (new Windows Server 2016 Standard)

Before proceeding to migration an Active Directory from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2016, you want to first install Windows Server 2016 on a replacement machine which can then be promoted to Active Directory Server 2016.

Migration Server 2008 to Server 2016

1- Install Windows Server 2016.

How to Install Windows Server 2016 so, Click here

2- Rename Windows Server 2016.

How to rename Windows Server 2016 so, Click here

3- Configure the IP Addresses in Server 2016.

The next step is to configure the IP and therefore the DNS Addresses on the new server.

                           Windows Server 2008 R2           Windows Server 2016

Computer Name:             Server2008                            Server2016

Domain Name:              xpertstec.local

IP Address (Static):          10.0.0.20                                10.0.0.25

Subnet Mask:                255.255.255.0                       255.255.255.0

Default Gateway:            10.0.0.1                                  10.0.0.1

Preferred DNS Server:   10.0.0.20                                 10.0.0.20

4- First, let’s have a glance at my environment. we have a domain controller xpertstec.local which is installed on Windows Server 2008 R2.

Raise the Forest Functional Level and Domain Functional Levels in Windows Server 2008 R2.

5- Click Start button, select Administrative Tools and then Active Directory Domains and Trusts.

6- Right click Active Directory Domains and Trusts and then choose Raise Forest Functional Level.

7- Select an available forest functional level Windows Server 2008 R2 and then click on Raise.

8- Click OK.

9- The functional level was raised successfully so, click on ok.

Now Raising the Function Level of the Domain

10- Right-click on the name, (xpertstec.local) and then click on Raise Domain Functional Level.

11- It has already got raised the Domain Functional Level to Windows Server 2008 R2 so, click on Close.

12- Type the Netdom query fsmo command to see which server has installed FSMO roles.

13- DNS Manager screen.

14- The IP address of our Active Directory Domain Controller Windows Server 2008 R2.

15- The IP address of the Windows Server 2016.

16- On our Windows Server 2016 server so, we will ping and access our Domain Controller server

Join Windows Server 2016 to an Active Directory Domain Controller.

17- The thanks to Join Windows Server 2016 to an Active Directory Domain, Click here

18- Our server2016 has successfully joined the domain. Server2008 on our AD server so, we will see the status within the Computers.

Migration Server 2008 to Server 2016

Now check in Windows Server 2016 with the domain administrator account.

19- Create an Additional Domain Controller (ADC) In Windows Server 2016.

How to Create an Additional Domain Controller (ADC) In Windows Server 2016, so please Click here

20- Now have a glance at my active directory Domain Controllers Server2008 so, we will now see that our server Server2016 is within the domain role.

21- within the Server Manager, we will see the AD DS Roles.

22- within the Start menu, we will see shortcuts and management components for Active Directory management.

23- Our Active Directory services are running smoothly.

24- DNS Manager Screen.

25- In the Active Directory Sites and Services screen.

Transferring the Flexible Single Master Operations (FSMO) Role.

I have a Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller (server2008) and have a further Windows Server 2016 domain controller (Server2016). to finish the migration, we’d like to transfer 5 FSMO roles to the new domain controller.

1. Schema Master
2. Domain Naming Master
3. PDC
4. RID pool manager
5. Infrastructure Master

26- To seek out which server is currently holding FSMO. so, run the subsequent command, netdom query fsmo

The FSMO roles are currently within the Windows Server 2008 R2 domain controller server name (server2008)

Using the Active Directory Schema snap-in to transfer the Schema Master role

27- Open prompt in administrative mode and sort regsvr32 schmmgmt.dll

Transfer Operations Master Role

28- On the Server2016 server so, open Active Directory Users and Computers, right-click on local domain xpertstec.local and then click on Operations Masters.

29- On the Operations Masters and Select the RID tab and then choose the Change button.

30- Click Yes.

31- The operations master role was successfully transferred. so, click on ok.

32- Now you can Verify that Operation master now transferred to our new Server SRV2016.xpertstec.local

33- On the Operations Masters and then select the PDC tab and choose the Change button.

34- Click Yes.

35- The operations master role was successfully transferred, so click on ok.

36- Now Verify that Operation master now transferred to our new Server SRV2016.xpertstec.local

37- On the Operations Masters and select the Infrastructure tab and then choose the Change button.

38- Click Yes.

39- The operations master role was successfully transferred, so click on ok.

40- Now Verify that Operation master is now transferred to our new Server SRV2016.xpertstec.local

41- Open Server Manager, select the Dashboard tab, select Tools and then click Active Directory Domains and Trusts.

Change Domains and Trusts roles from server 2008 to 2016

42- Right-click Active Directory Domains and Trusts and then choose to change the Active Directory Domain Controller.

43- Select this Domain Controller or AD LDS Instance. Click on the domain controller that you simply want to be the schema master role and then click on ok.

44- Right-click Active Directory Domains and Trusts and then choose Operations Master.

45- Select Change.

46- Click YES.

47- The operations master was successfully transferred, so click on ok.

48- Confirmed the domain naming operation master role and click on Close.

49- Now we’d like to move our Schema Master role. So, we’d like to register the schmmgmt.dll open prompt and run the command below. Regsvr32.exe C: \ windows \ system32 \ schmmgmt.dll

50- the method was completed successfully and then click on ok

51- To open Microsoft Management Console mmc type mmc and then hit enter.

52- Click File and then choose Add/Remove Snap-in

53- From the left side, under Available Snap-ins, Select Active Directory Schema, then click Add and then click on ok.

54- Right-click Active Directory Schema, and then choose Change Active Directory Domain Controller.

Console

55- Select this Domain Controller or AD LDS Instance, click on the domain controller that you simply want to be the schema master role and click on ok.

56- Click OK.

57- within the console1, right-click on Active Directory Schema (SRV2016.xpertstec.local) and choose the Operations Master.

58- Click Change.

59- Click Yes.

60- Operations Master successfully transferred and click ok.

61- Now confirm your current schema master which is Server2016 and click on Close.

62- Now run the Netdom query fsmo command, we will now see that our roles are moved to our Windows Server 2016 Additional Domain Controller.

63- Now have a glance at the status of replication after moving the roles. once we run the repadmin / showrepl command for this process.

64- Now we need to change the DNS address of our additional Domain Controller server to be the IP address of our Windows Server 2016 Domain server.

Now the final step is to remove (uninstalling) server2008 Active Directory domain controller.

Remove Active Directory Domain Controller 2008

65- Open prompt type dcpromo and hit Enter.

66- Click Next.

67- The Active Directory domain controller is a global catalog service, make sure your primary DC also has the service enabled and click the ok button.

68- Confirmed that Delete the domain because this server is the last domain controller in the domain is UNCHECKED and click next.

69- Type a password for the new Administrator account on this server and click next.

70- Review the summary and click next.

71- Check the Reboot on completion box to restart the server after the service has been removed.

72- After rebooting the server2008 Domain Controller Login with the local administrator account and open Server Manager.

73- In Server Manager click Roles under Roles Summary and click on Remove Roles.

74- Remove Roles Wizard, click next.

75- Uncheck Active Directory Domain Services and DNS Server and click on next.

76- Click Remove.

77- Click Close.

78- does one want to restart now, click Yes.

79- After rebooting server Log back to server2008, active directory domain services removal succeeded and click on Close.

Disjoin the machine from the domain.

80- Select Server manager, Under Server Summary, click Change System Properties.

81- On the System Properties, click Change.

82- Select Workgroup type during a workgroup name and click on ok.

83- Warning message, click ok.

84- Welcome to the workgroup, and then click ok.

85- Click ok to restart the server.

86- System Properties, click Close.

87- Click Restart Now or Restart Later and then shut down this server.

For more details click here

Migrate Active Directory Server 2003 to Server 2016, In this blog, I’m using my Server2003 (windows server 2003 STD SP2) and my Server2016 (new Windows Server 2016 Standard).

Before proceeding to migrate a lively Directory from Windows Server 2003 to Server 2016, you want to first install Windows Server 2016 on a replacement machine which can then be promoted to Active Directory Server 2016.

Migrate Active Directory Server 2003 to Server 2016

1- Windows Server 2016 Installation.

How to Install Windows Server 2016, Click here

2- Renaming Windows Server 2016.

How to rename Windows Server 2016, Click here

3- Configure the IP Addresses in Server 2016.

Windows Server 2003     Windows Server 2016

Computer Name:         Server2003                     Server2016

Domain Name:             xpertstec.local

IP Address (Static):      10.0.0.20                        10.0.0.25

Subnet Mask:               255.255.255.0                255.255.255.0

Default Gateway:          10.0.0.1                          10.0.0.1

Preferred DNS Server:  10.0.0.20                        10.0.0.20

Now we’d like to Rais the domain and forest functional level in Server2003.

How to raise Active Directory domain and forest functional levels in Windows Server 2003.

Raise Domain Function level Server 2003

4- On the Server2003, open Active Directory Users and Computers, then right-click domain name (xpertstec.local), then click Raise Domain Functional Level.

5- Raise Domain Functional Level interface, make sure you click on Windows Server 2003 and then click Raise.

Domain Functional Level must be found out to a minimum of Windows 2003 mode. this is often rock bottom required Domain Functional Level that permits a Windows Server 2012 Domain Controller installation.

6- Raise Domain Functional Level, so click ok.

7- The Domain functional level was raised successfully, then click the ok button.

8- The current domain functional level is Windows Server 2003, so click close.

Raise Forest Functional Level Server 2003

9- Open Active Directory Domain and Trusts right-click Active Directory Domain and Trusts and then click Raise Forest Functional Level.

10- On the Raise Forest Functional Level select Windows Server 2003 and then click Raise.

11- On the Raise Forest Functional Level, so click ok.

12- Click ok the functional level was raised successfully.

13- Verify Current Forest functional level is Windows Server 2003 and then click on ok.

14- The next step is to hitch Windows Server 2016 to a lively Directory Domain.

How to Join a Windows Server 2016 to a lively Directory Domain, Click here here

Now check in Windows Server 2016 with the domain administrator account.

15- Setup an Additional Domain Controller (ADC) in Windows Server 2016.

How to Setup an Additional Domain Controller (ADC) in Windows Server 2016, Click here

Now we need to move Server roles from windows server 2003 to Windows Server 2016

Change Operation Master ( Migrate Active Directory Server 2003 to 2016)

16- On the Server2016 server, open Active Directory Users and Computers, right-click domain xpertstec.local and then click on Operations Masters.

17- On the Operations Masters, Select the RID tab and then choose the Change button.

18- Click Yes.

19- The operations master role was successfully transferred and then click ok.

20- Verify that the Operation master now transferred to your new Server Server2016.xpertstec.local.

21- On the Operations Masters, Select the PDC tab and then choose the Change button.

22- Click Yes.

23- The operations master role was successfully transferred and then click on ok.

24- Verify that the Operation master now transferred to the new Server Server2016.xpertstec.local

25- On the Operations Masters, Select the Infrastructure tab and then choose the Change button.

26- Click Yes.

27- The operations master role was successfully transferred, so click ok.

28- Verify that the Operation master now transferred to the new Server Server2016.xpertstec.local

Change Domain Controller

29- On Server2016 server, open Active Directory Sites and Services right-click Active Directory Sites and Services and then click Change Domain Controller.

30- Select This Domain Controller or AD LDS instance and choose your Server2016.xpertstec.local and click on ok.

31- Verify that the Windows Server is now reflecting your new Server2016.xpertstec.local.

32- On the Active Directory Domains and Trusts, right-click Active Directory Domains and then Trusts and choose Operations Manager.

33- On the Active Directory Domains and Trusts, right-click Active Directory Domains and Trusts and choose Operations Manager.

34- Are you sure you would like to transfer the operations master role to a special computer? and click on Yes.

35- The Operations Master is successfully transferred and click on ok.

36-Now the Domain naming operations master transferred to the Server2016.xpertstec.local server.

37- On the Server2016 server, open prompt and sort regsvr32 schmmgmt.dll to vary the Schema Master.

38- Now type mmc and press Enter.

Change Active Directory Schema ( Migrate Active Directory Server 2003 to 2016)

39- On the Server2016.xpertstec.local server > open MMC > click file and then choose Add/Remove Snap-in.

40- Select Active Directory Schema, click Add button and then click ok.

41- On the Console1 > right-click Active Directory Schema and then select Change Active Directory Domain Controller.

42- Select This Domain Controller or AD LDS instance > click Server2016.xpertstec.local server and then click on ok.

43- Click OK to proceed.

44- Verify the Active Directory Schema Server2016.xpertstec.local computer is shown.

45- On the Console1 > right-click Active Directory Schema and then choose Operations Master.

46- Click the Change button to transfer the schema master role to the Server2016.xpertstec.local.

47- Are you sure you would like to vary the schema operations master? and then click on Yes.

48- Operations master successfully transferred, click ok.

49- Verify the present schema master (online) is now Server2016.xpertstec.local and then click on Close.

50- Go back to Server2016 Server, open prompt and sort Netdom query fsmo to verify that out new Server2016.xpertstec.local Server is running the FSMO role.

51- Remove the Server 2003 from Global Catalog.

On Server2016 open Active Directory Users and Computers.

Expand your domain (e.g. xpertstec.local) and Select Domain Controllers.
Right-click at your old server (e.g. Server2003) and then Select Properties.

52- So, Under General tab click NTDS Settings.

53- Uncheck the Global Catalog checkbox and click ok and then ok to close all windows.

54- Next, open IPv4 IP and make sure you point the DNS IP to your new Server2016.xpertstec.local IP address.

Change the Preferred DNS Address on Server 2003

On Server2003: Open Network and Sharing Center.

Right-click on Local Area Connection and click Properties.
Double click on Internet Protocol TCP/IP.

Change the Preferred DNS server address to match the Server2016 IP Address.
click ok and then close all windows.

Remove Active Directory Server 2003

Now the last step is to remove our Server 2003 Active Directory Domain Controller.

55- Open run and type dcpromo.

56- Active Directory Installation Wizard, so click next.

57- Remove the active directory Server 2003, so click on next.

58- Type Active Directory Administrator Password and then click on next.

59- Review the summary and ensure the choices you chose and click on next.

60- Wait for the process to complete.

61- Active Directory was faraway from this computer and click on Finish.

62- Click Restart Now.

63- Now login on to Server2003 (this computer) type username and password and click on ok.

64- Now type ipconfig/ flushdns & ipconfig/ registerdns & dcdiag /fix commands

65- To remove Server 2003 from the Domain and join to Workgroup.

Server 2003 Join to Workgroup

Right-click on My Computer and select properties.

66- Select the Computer Name tab and click the change button.

67- Select Workgroup > type the workgroup name and click ok.

68- Type Administrator username, password and click on ok.

69- Welcome to the WORKGROUP, click ok.

70- Click OK.

71- Click ok.

72- Close all open windows and then click Yes to restart the computer

For more details click here

In this guide, I am going to Set up an Additional Domain Controller Server 2016 (ADC) In Microsoft Windows Server 2016.

Additional Domain Controller Server 2016

1- Click on the Windows Start Button and Open server manager.

2- Under the configure this local server select Add roles and features.

3- Add roles and features wizard, click next.

4- Select the Role-based or feature-based installation option and click on next.

5- Select a server from the server pole and click on next.

6- Select the Active Directory Domain Services box.

7- Click the Add Features button that is required for the Active Directory Domain Services.

8- After adding the active directory Server Roles, click next.

9- Click Next.

10- Click Next.

11- Click Install to start out the installation.

12- Active directory successfully installed, click Close.

Configure Additional Domain Controller

13- Server Manager click warning message and click on Promote this server to a website controller.

14- Select Add a domain controller to an existing domain, then click on the select button and browse to xpertstec.local, verify that credentials are Administrator and click on next.

15- Verify that the name System (DNS) server and Global Catalog (GC) are selected and sort the directory services restore mode DSRM password and click on next.

16- Ignore the DNS options warning and click on next.

17- Specify Additional replication Options interface, besides the Replicate from Select Server2003.xpertstec.local and then click on next.

18- Specify the situation of the AD DS database, log files, and SYSVOL folders and then click on next.

19- within the active directory preparation options, then click Next.

20- Reviews the choices interface, verify all the knowledge and then click on next.

21- On the prerequisites check to verify that each one prerequisites checks passed successfully and then click on Install.

22- Please wait for a few minutes to complete the process.

23- After restarting the Windows Server 2016, so log in as Domain Administrator.

24- Login to your Domain Controllers, open active directory users and computers, expand your domain.local (xpertstec.local) and choose domain controllers, here you’ll find the extra domain controller.

For more information click here

Join Windows Server 2016 to an Active Directory Domain

Join Domain Server 2016

1- Click Start and open the Server Manager.

2- From the left side Select Local Server, so under Properties Click on WORKGROUP.

3- System Properties, then click Change.

4- Under Member of select Domain > A name (my name is xpertstec.local) and then click on ok.

5- Type domain Administrator account username, password and then click on ok.

6- Welcome to the xpertstec.local domain, click ok.

7- Click OK to restart the computer.

8- Click Close.

9- Click Restart Now.

For more details click here

Install Active Directory in Microsoft Windows Server 2016.

Install Active Directory Server 2016

Requirements.

Administrator account has a strong password

Static IP is configured

Latest windows updates are installed

A firewall is turned off

Rename Computer (optional)

1- Click Start Button and choose the Server Manager.

2- From the Server Manager Dashboard, Select Manage and choose Add Roles and Features.

3- Click Next.

4- Select the Role-based or feature-based installation and click on next.

5- Select a server from the server pool on which you would like to configure active directory and click on next.

6- Select the Active Directory Domain Services from the server roles page.

7- A Windows will popup be showing additional require features and click on Add Features.

8- After adding the active directory domain services features, click next.

9- Default settings, click next.

10- Review about Active Directory Domain Services details and click on next.

11- Review the active directory installation and click on Install.

12- Active directory Windows Server 2016 installation completed, then click close.

Configure Active Directory windows server 2016

13- From Server Manager click on Notifications, so click Promote this server to a website controller.

14- Under the deployment operation Select Add a replacement forest enter Root name and then click on next.

15- Selection forest and domain functional level Windows Server 2016 because of the default level.

Keep the name System (DNS) server and Global Catalog (GC) checked and sort the directory services restore mode (DSRM) password and then click on next.

16- Ignore warnings within the DNS options window and then click on next.

17- within the additional options window, verify the NetBIOS name and then click on next.

18- Specify the situation of the AD DS database, log files, and SYSVOL folders and then click on next.

19- Within the review options window, review name, NetBIOS name, and Global catalog, etc. and then click on next.

20- When all prerequisite is successfully passed, so click the Install button to start out active directory installation.

21- When the installation completes, you’ll be prompte that your machine successfully configures as a website controller and so can be rebooted automatically.

For more details click here

Change Computer Name Command. You can rename your windows computer from the instruction using the WMIC computer system command. Please follow the command.

WMIC computersystem where caption=’currentname’ rename newname

Change Computer name from the command line

Example: If the present pc name is SRV2016, to vary it to Server2016, we will run the below command.

1- Open command prompt and then type

WMIC computersystem where caption=’SRV2016′ rename Server2016

2- After renaming successfully you would like to restart the pc then type,

shutdown –r and hit enter.

3- So the computer is restarting.

For more details click here

How to Install Active Directory Server 2016

In this blog, I am going to change the Computer Name in Microsoft Windows Server 2016

Change Computer Name 2016 (using Server Manager)

1- Select the beginning button then click on the Server Manager

2- After opening Server Manager, on your left side select Local Server, under Properties then click the pc name

3- Under the System Properties, so click the change button.

4- Type-A server name under the pc name and then click on ok.

5- Click on OK.

6- Click on Close.

7- Click Restart Now

8- To rename computer using PC Properties, right-click on This PC select Properties.

9- Under Computer name, domain and workgroup settings, so click the Change Settings option.

10- PC System Properties window will open, click on the Change button to rename Server name.

11- Under Computer Name, type the server name and then click on ok.

12- Click ok to restart the computer.

13- Click Close.

14- Click Restart Now.

For more information click here

In this article, I will explain how to Install Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Step by Step, To test in my home lab.

Install Windows Server 2016

System requirements:

Processor: 1.4Ghz 64-bit.

RAM: 512 MB.

Disk Space: 32 GB.

Network: Gigabit (10/100/1000baseT) Ethernet adapter.

Optical Storage: DVD drive (if you are installing the OS from DVD media)

Video: Super VGA (1024 x 768)

Input Devices: Keyboard and mouse (optional)

You can download an evaluation version of Windows Server 2016 from Microsoft in ISO format, from here.

To create a USB installation media, here.

1- Insert the Windows Server 2016 DVD (or the USB) installation media and set boot option from the computer bios to a DVD drive or USB.

Press any key else from CD or DVD.

2- Select Language to put in, Time and currency format and therefore the Keyboard or input method and then click on next.

3- So click Install Now.

4- Select the Windows Server 2016 version you would like to put in and then click on next.

5- Select I Accept the License terms and then click on next.

6- Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

7- Select new partition the hard disc > Select drive size in MB and click on Apply.

8- Click OK.

9- Select the disk to install the OS and then click next.

10- Windows setup to start out copying the specified files, Sit back and relax while Installation takes a flash.

11- After several times rebooting A password for the Administrator account and then click on Finish.

12- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, type your Administrator password and then press Enter to login.

13- After the login, the Server Manager will start automatically.