Instructions

If your computer has failed and is not bootable you can use the following emergency procedure to quickly recover Active Directory on a new computer.

The following are quick instructions for emergencies only. For a planned upgrade to a new computer see Planned Move.

Step 1: Get the most recent backup copy

Windows Server 2008 (including R2): Locate the most recent backup copy of the C: disk that you created with Windows Server Backup. Connect the backup disk to the new computer if necessary. If the backup was written to compressed DVD discs, use URecover to expand and mount the DVD disc image(s).

Windows Server 2000-2003: Locate the most recent backup copy of the System State and of the system drive (typically C:). These are usually found in the most recent .BKF file that you have previously created with NTBACKUP.EXE.

If you have not previously created a backup you may be able to salvage Active Directory by copying the database files directly off the original disk drive of the dead computer. See Copying from a Dead Computer.

Step 2: Prepare the new computer

Prepare the new computer by installing a fresh copy of Windows Server. Install the same operating system as on the original computer. If possible try to use the same DVD disc that was used to install Windows on the original computer. (If you do not have the original disc see the Compatibility Matrix.)

Give the new computer a new temporary Internet address and a new temporary name. UMove will scan the network to ensure that the original computer is turned off. It will copy the original computer's Internet Address and name during the move procedure.

Do not run DCPROMO or boot WinPE/WinRE (not necessary).

If you are prompted for Windows Product Activation, skip it for now.

If you are running Microsoft Small Business Server, see Moving Small Business Server.

On the new computer apply the most recent service pack that was applied to the original computer. Go to Windows Update and apply all critical security patches (not required but recommended).

Step 3: Install UMove

Install UMove on the new computer. Type in your UMove license code when you are prompted. (Capitalization is not important.) The quickest way to get a single-computer license code is to visit http://utools.com/shop.asp. You will receive a license code within 60 seconds of entering your credit card information.

Step 4: Run UMove

Run UMove. Select This is an emergency and click Next.

Type in the location of the .BKF file or the Windows Server Backup. (If you need to apply incremental or differential backups see Incremental Restore.) If you are using a dead computer's disk, type in the path to the dead computer's disk (for example “E:\”).

Click Next and accept the default choices. Continue to click Next. Continue to click Next until the Finish button appears. Finally, click the Finish button.

The computer will reboot automatically. When the logon prompt appears, the operation is complete. The new computer will have the same name, same Internet Address, and same Active Directory contents as the original computer.

Congratulations you are done!

Step 5: Clean Up

Log on to the computer and verify that Active Directory is working properly.

When you are satisfied that everything is working ok you can uninstall UMove and delete the staging folder.

Important: Discard or erase the old computer hardware. Do not boot the old computer again. This is required for Windows license compliance, and also to prevent two identical computers from serving Active Directory at the same time.

For more information

For a planned upgrade to a new computer see Planned Move.