Migrate Active Directory Services from Windows 2008 to 2012 R2 Part 2

Here we are with the second part of this article focusing on installing the Active Directory Domain Services to the new Windows Server 2012 R2. In particular the next steps show the installation and configuration of the new role.

As per usual let’s start the Server Manager and from there let’s Add a new Role/Features

Make sure the “Include the Management Tools” is selected

The installation of the AD DS Role and Feature is pretty easy and went like a breeze. It’s time now to configure the AD Role by clicking on the Promote this server to a domain controller

Let’s make sure both the DNS (AD integrated) and the Global Catalog are selected. Also we should keep the DSRM password in a safe place

Should multiple Domain Controllers be available it is possible to select from which one to synchronise the data from

After the installation is completed we’ll notice a new Domain Controller in the configuration. In my case the one covered in RED is the old one. The ORANGE is the new one taking over

Also by visiting the DNS Manager properties for the domain name will show both DC’s and relative IP addresses

Last but not least from the AD Sites and Services configuration both Domain controllers are still showing

Now that we have verified the successful deployment of the new Domain Controller Role it is time to check the configuration and move the AD Roles from the old server to the new one which is topic of the next part