converting 2 virtual Domain controllers

[buzzmaster]

Hi

I have 2 windows 2008R2 dc installed on a ESX 3.5 server, so they are already VM and not physical, and I want to transfer them to my new ESX 4,1 server. The method I taught using was turn off the dc and use converter from the Vcenter 4.1 to "copy" my DC from one host to another

Is it a good idea, because I know that PTV for DC is not recommanded but VTV is it?

thanks

[DSTAVERT]

Even that they are already Virtual Machines doesn't mean that there aren't issues. I would demote one of the machines, the one without all the master roles. Copy to the new server. Promote and then transfer roles. Demote the second one. Copy to the new server. Promote.

[buzzmaster]

even if the vm are powerd off before?

[Borja_Mari]

Hi,

one option is to install a new virtual w2k8R2, join and dcpromo it and finally transfer all the server roles from the actual DC's.

Anyway one more easy and quick option is just a shutdown and removal from the esx 3.5 inventory, then move it to the new server and just add to inventory and power on.

It's recommended (in this order) to upgrade the vmware tolls and then upgrade the virtual machine hardware of the DC's just moved to the new server.

I don't recommend you to make a V2V.

Hope this helps

Regards/Saludos,
Pablo

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[DSTAVERT]

I am just telling you what I would do. If you can have both DC shut down for a period of time then you can copy them from one ESXi host to another. Using the converter will alter the machine and you may have issues.

[buzzmaster]

thanks guys for your answer

to resume your recommandations are(involving no dcpromo at all)

close on dc at time

copy with winscp for example the folder of the vm from one datastore to new datastore,

add it to the inventory of the new server

Install/upgrade the vmware tools whose by the way will update all the hardware of the copied dc, won't be

am I right?

for sql is it better do it this way to or use the converter?

thanks again

[DSTAVERT]

Don't upgrade tools or upgrade hardware on virtual machines until all your virtual machines have been migrated and you no longer have any 3.5 hosts.

Domain controllers are different than SQL servers. I would copy the SQL server using winscp or http://veeam.com fastscp

Make absolutely certain time is right on the domain controllers before and after your copy.

[Borja_Mari · Accepted solution]

Hi,

all you have commented is ok

Making virtual a sql server isn't so problematic like a DC. It's recommended to shut down the sql server service before making the conversion with vmware converter.

Here you can check some best practices using vmware converter:

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=100458...

Anyway you can just move the sql server to the new server like the dc.

Please, remember to mark any helpful/correct answer. This is the way to award users that help others.

Hope this helps

Regards/Saludos,
Pablo

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any helpful or corrrect answer. Thanks!! -

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cualquier respuesta útil o correcta. ¡¡Muchas gracias!!

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