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 best results try to use the same disc and Product Key that was used to install Windows Server on the original computer. You should also try to install Windows on the same disk drive letter as the original computer (usually C:).

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 scan your network to ensure that the original computer has been disconnected from the network. It will copy your original computer's name and Internet address during the move procedure.

Windows Server 2000 or 2003: Install the Windows software components that were installed on the original computer (DNS Server, WINS, IIS). To install 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.

Windows Server 2008: Add the roles and features that were installed on the original computer (DNS Server, IIS). To add the roles go to Control Panel, click on Administrative Tools, click on Server Manager, right-click on Roles and select Add Role. (You do not need to add the Active Directory role; UMove will do this automatically later.)

Windows Server 2008 R2: If moving from non-R2 to R2 run adprep to prepare AD for R2.

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

Do not activate your Windows Product Key yet; wait until after you move AD.

Install any supported applications that you want UMove to move for you. Do not install any unsupported applications yet.

Do not install any anti-virus software yet. If you already installed anti-virus software, temporarily disable it.

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). Do this last, after all Windows components are installed. This ensures that the Windows components receive the latest security fixes and patches.

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 (for example DNS Server).

Lastly, go to Windows Update and apply the most recent security fixes that were applied on the original computer.