Migration of windows 2008 std 32bit DC to windows 2012 std

Question

i have 32bit DC in my local environment having schema ver 44.. now i hav another server and want to migrate to windows 2012 std edition.. can some one guide me how to achieve this task?

Answer 1

Hi Babarmunir,
In-place upgrades from 32-bit to 64-bit architectures are not supported. All editions of Windows Server 2012 are 64-bit only.
Domain controllers that run 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 can be upgraded to Windows Server 2012. You cannot upgrade domain controllers that run Windows Server 2003 or 32-bit versions of Windows Server 2008. To replace
them, install domain controllers that run a later version of Windows Server in the domain, and then remove the domain controllers that Windows Server 2003.
Hence you need to have a fresh x64 machine which you can join to domain and install ADDS Role then promote as additional domain controller.
Provided the Forest Functional Level is Windows Server 2003 at minimum.
Upgrading previous retail versions of Windows Server to Windows Server 2012:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-in/library/jj574204.aspx
Upgrade Domain Controllers to Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012
Use the below guide to setup the ADC:
Step-By-Step: Adding a Windows Server 2012 Domain Controller
System requirements for Windows Server 2012 are unchanged from Windows Server 2008 R2. For more information, seeWindows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 System Requirements (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/system-requirements.aspx).
The Schema and Domain preparation:  One could run
Adprep prior to ADDS Role installation, Regardless, if Adprep is not detected, it will automatically be completed on your behalf.
Regards,
Satyajit
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