DFS and Server Refresh

Question

We are replacing our old Windows 2003 Servers with new Windows 2012R2 servers. These servers are Web Servers and have IIS6 installed on them. Our Web Developers who own this server also have set aside selected Web Directories/Folders/Files in a DFS namespace
and have included the Windows 2003 servers as Target Name Servers.
As these Windows 2003 servers are going to be completely replaced by new Windows 2012R2 servers, the Web Developers want to ensure that the same namespace and therefore the same Directories/folders/Files are migrated across and available for users on the
new servers.  Since I am new to DFS, it seems to me that if the Web Developers install IIS on the Windows 2012R2 servers and setup the Directories/Folders exactly the same as they are on the Windows 2003 servers that they can migrate across the data to
the same Directories/Folders on the new Windows 2012R2 servers.   And, once that is done, I can insert the Windows 2012R2 servers as Target Name Servers in the existing namespace to replace the older Windows 2003 (remove them from the namespace).  
And, if the security is established the same on the new Directories/Folders/Files as they were in the Windows 2003 Servers then the users should see the DFS shared drives.
Am I correct?   If not, what should I do to ensure that what the Web Developers want is provided?

Answer 1

Hi,
1.  Since the DFS is hosted on another server (apart from the original and new servers), we keep the current namespace (it's one of our DCs)
I assume that you will keep the namespace server (the DC).
If so, then your plan is correct, just make sure allow enough time for the new target server to replicate files from the old target server before removal. In addition, you will need to create replication group for two target servers so that they would replicate.
More information for you:
Create a replication group
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc756710(v=WS.10).aspx
How DFS Works
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc782417(v=WS.10).aspx
Best Regards,
Amy
Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help and un-mark them if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected]