Forum Discussion

Copper Contributor

Jan 23, 2020

Windows 2008 running AD and file server fail-over cluster in-place upgrade to 2012 possible?

I have three 2008 DC Active Directory servers. Two of the servers (physical) are also a Microsoft clustered fail-over file servers. I am thinking of performing an in-place upgrade to 2012. Is this a ...

in-place upgrade 08 to 12

Mark Lewis

Brass Contributor

Jan 23, 2020

Milty60Domain Controllers are usually best done by provisioning new servers.

What are your domain/forest function levels? Is this a previously upgraded environment (i.e. do you need to run dfsrmig first?)?

Milty60

Copper Contributor

Jan 23, 2020

Mark Lewis

My domain has not been previously upgraded. Both function levels are at Windows server 2003. I do think I will need to run dfsrmig. I am considering provision new servers - its a cost issue.

Thanks for the link. I'm checking it out now.

Milty

Mark Lewis
Brass Contributor
Jan 23, 2020
Milty60 I would take domain/forest levels to 2008 R2 (are you using R2 rather than 2008?) Then run DFSRMig, then work on upgrading to 2016/2019
- Milty60
  Copper Contributor
  Jan 24, 2020
  Mark Lewis
  
  I'm using 2008 Enterprise servers. I will look into taking the domain/forest levels to 2008. Then run DFSRMig, Then work on upgrading to 2012/2016/2019.
  
  Remember two of these servers are also a file servers fail over clustered pair. I have Googled around and asked IT associates and have had mixed responses - some say you can do the in-place upgrades some say you can not.
  
  Thanks,
  
  Milty