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

Copper Contributor

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 possible upgrade path due to AD and File server roles and features installed?

 

Thanks, 

 

Milty 

 

5 Replies

@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?)?

@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 

@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

@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