Another alternative to this if you have access to VMware Server/ESX is to run VMWare converter (which is free) against the production DC to create a replica as a virtual server. That way you won't have to worry about depromoting and cleaning up DNS afterwards. Just make sure you don't boot it with the network enabled on the same LAN as the prod server.
-----Original Message----- From: Peter Johnson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 11:40 AM To: Active Directory Admin Issues Subject: RE: Copy of the production Active Directory from a live DC to a tes DC Install a virtual server based Server. DCpromo it and then shut it down. Copy out the files and reboot the machine. Demote it and clean up AD. Bring up the VM in your test environment. I've done it several times. -----Original Message----- From: Ian Roche [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 28 January 2009 11:31 To: Active Directory Admin Issues Subject: Copy of the production Active Directory from a live DC to a tes DC Just wondering if anyone has any tips for this one before I do it. Lots on the web about it was looking at following the link below. If its the way to go let me know. All I want to do is to get a test domain controller up and running on a segregated network as one of our departments in hear need to test application changes which uses LDAP authentication . http://www.pbbergs.com/windows/articles/TestDomain.html ~ NEW: CounterSpy Enterprise: Centralized Antispyware - #1 in eWEEK Test! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbelt-software.com/product.cfm?id=400> ~ ~ NEW: CounterSpy Enterprise: Centralized Antispyware - #1 in eWEEK Test! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbelt-software.com/product.cfm?id=400> ~ DISCLAIMER: This message contains information that may be privileged or confidential and is the property of the Roxar Group. It is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not authorised to read, print, retain, copy, disseminate, distribute, or use this message or any part thereof. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete all copies of this message. ~ NEW: CounterSpy Enterprise: Centralized Antispyware - #1 in eWEEK Test! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbelt-software.com/product.cfm?id=400> ~
