New DFS Standalone 2008 Namespace / Migrate standalone 2003 server

I'm planning on replacing a server 2003 file server with local storage with a
new clustered file server using SAN storage and a standalone DFS Namespace. I
plan on using the FSMT 1.1 to keep the UNC paths working while i copy the
data and finally decomission the old server. I do have a question about the
process.

Server A - Win 2003 file server that is currently being accessed daily
Server B - Win 2008 Ent with DFS installed but no namespace configured yet.

At this point, what is the best route to take?

Can I configure my new namespace now without impacting any users? Then
rename the old server and use the FSMT / DFS to refer users and start the
copy at my convenience?

Or is the next step, rename the old server before I configure the new DFS
namespace and then start using the FSMT / DFS for referrals right away.


Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

Hello Chris,
Since you are using standalone dfs,use fsmt to migrate files from w2k3 to
w2k8 (at this time leave users to still have w2k3 for referal) , once
migration is complete, Configure new dfs namespace in w2k8 and start
pointing users for referral. ( You may want to do this during off hours so
that no new changes are made to fils/folder in the process)..Just curious do
you have a domain? because doamin based dfs is much better etc..

 

Isaac,

Thanks for the quick reply. I do have a domain but right now my main
objective is to get the files off of failing hardware. So let me get this
straight..

Server A - Named FS01
Server B - Named FS1

I can start using the FSMT to copy everything right now without having dfs
and referrals setup? Then during maintenance window complete the finalize
phase of FSMT and setupt he referrals?

Thanks,

Chris

 

Chris,
Yes, you can start copying from w2k3 server to w2k8 server while users are
still using old w2k3 file server as referral. My only concern is that, if
you copy (say a folder/file) during production hours with no replication,
what happen if clients update those files/folders? will you have to recopy
all over agian? Except you want to copy files/folder that you are sure will
not be updated until migration is complete.

--
Isaac Oben [MCTIP:EA, MCSE]

 

You mentioned referrals again, do I have to use DFSconsolidate to setup the
referalls before the FSMT copy phase? The FSMT will allow me to copy during
buisness hours and will skip open files, I"ll then run it again right before
the finalize phase of the tool to grab any updated files and force open files
closed for copying. This will be done during a maintenance period and will be
the last time anyone accesses the w2k3 file server directly.

My question is do I need to setup the referal so that the new DFS box will
handle login scripts and unc mappings now or can it wait until I am in my
maintenance
window and decomission the old server for good?

Thanks,

Chris

 

Chris,
Since you are using standalone dfs, wait until migration is complete before
start pointing clients to new w2k8 server. But I will not decommissioned old
server yet. I will just shut it down for a couple of days and make sure new
server is functioning as planned, then bring new server back and
decommission.

--
Isaac Oben [MCTIP:EA, MCSE]