Preparing the Destination Computer
To prepare the destination computer, you can choose to either install a fresh copy of Windows or re-use an existing installation.
Installing a fresh copy of Windows
This is the recommended approach. A fresh installation of Windows ensures that your computer is “clean” and eliminates any pre-existing system instability on your computer.
You need to install the same base server operating system that was installed on the original computer. See the Compatibility Matrix. For example if the original computer ran Windows Server 2008 then the destination computer should also run an edition of Windows Server 2008.
During the installation interview, give the new computer a new fixed Internet address and a new computer name. Do not use the same Internet address or the same computer name as the original computer. UMove will copy your original computer's name and Internet address during the move procedure.
Windows Server 2008
Add the following AD-related roles if you want UMove to copy their data from the source computer: DHCP Service, IIS, Certificate Services, WINS, and Terminal Services Licensing Service. To add the roles go to Control Panel, click on Administrative Tools, click on Server Manager, right-click on Roles and select Add Role. If you omit an AD-related role that was on the original computer, UMove will remind you to add it. (You do not need to add the Active Directory role or the DNS role - UMove will do it automatically.)
If moving from Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2008 R2 run adprep to prepare AD for R2.
Windows Server 2000-2003
Install Windows on the same disk drive letter as the original computer (by default C:). Add the following AD-related software components if you want UMove to copy their data from the source computer: DHCP Service, IIS, Certificate Services, WINS, and Terminal Services Licensing Service. To install the Windows software components go to Control Panel, click on Add/Remove Programs, and then click on Add/Remove Windows Components. Have your Windows CD/DVD ready. If you omit an AD-related role that was on the original computer, UMove will remind you to add it.
Don't add any non-AD roles until after you move AD.
Skip the Post-Installation Steps
Do not run
Do not activate your Windows Product Key yet; wait until after you move AD.
Do not install any applications yet except for AD-related applications that you want UMove to copy (Exchange, SharePoint).
Do not install any anti-virus software yet. Wait until after you move AD. If you already installed anti-virus software, temporarily disable it.
Apply the same Service Pack
Apply the most recent service pack that was applied to the original computer.
Finally, go to Windows Update and apply all critical security patches (not required but strongly recommended).
Re-using an existing installation of Windows
Re-using an existing installation of Windows is not recommended. However it can save time when using a non-critical computer. For example, during testing of Active Directory on a test computer.
Verify that the computer is running the same operating system and service pack as the source computer.
Verify that that computer has all necessary Windows software components installed (for example DNS Server).
Lastly, go to Windows Update and apply the most recent security fixes that were applied on the original computer.
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