Test Copy
You can copy Active Directory to a test computer on an isolated network for testing. This lets you try out changes to Active Directory without fear of harming your production network.
Microsoft recommends that you validate the compatibility of all security-related configuration changes in a test forest before you introduce them in a production environment (KB823659).
Testing is especially important if you plan to make major or irreversible changes to Active Directory. These changes include switching the domain from Mixed Mode to Native Mode, raising the Forest Functional Level to Windows Server 2008, or modifying the AD database schema.
Training
A test environment is also useful for training. It is especially valuable for acquiring Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification.
Safe to Use
UMove is always safe to run on the source computer. See UMove is Always Safe.
Testing on a Virtual Machine
You can use either a physical computer or a virtual machine (VM).
A VM is the recommended choice, as it is easier to “reset” and
can guarantee network isolation because it does not run on real network
hardware. UMove works with
VMware Server, Microsoft Virtual Server, and Microsoft Hyper-V are free utilities that let you run Windows Server as a virtual machine. These utilities can be installed on any host computer that is already running Windows Server.
The license for Microsoft Virtual Server also allows installation on XP, Vista, or Windows 7 for testing — “non-production use”. To install Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2, download Virtual Server 2005 R2 and apply Virtual Server 2005 R2 Service Pack 1 and the VS 2005 R2 SP1 Update.
For more information
See the topics Steps for Testing and Creating a Test Forest.
