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Migrate from FRS to DFSR

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Active Directory (AD) is a crucial component of any Windows network, and ensuring that it is up-to-date is critical to maintaining security and performance. One aspect of AD that requires regular maintenance is the replication of data between domain controllers. In Windows Server 2003, File Replication Service (FRS) was used for AD replication, but since Windows Server 2008, Distributed File System Replication (DFSR) has been the preferred method. In this blog post, we will outline the procedure for migrating from FRS to DFSR for AD upgrade.

Before we begin, it’s essential to understand the difference between FRS and DFSR. FRS is an older technology that was designed for a slower network and doesn’t handle conflicts very well. In contrast, DFSR is faster, more reliable, and can handle conflicts efficiently. It is also more tolerant of network latency and can handle larger data sets.

Here’s the step-by-step procedure for migrating from FRS to DFSR:

Step 1: Check the Current Replication Status

Before migrating to DFSR, it’s essential to check the current replication status using the “repadmin /showrepl” command. This command displays the replication topology and status information for all domain controllers in the domain.

Step 2: Enable DFSR on Domain Controllers

The first step in the migration process is to enable DFSR on all domain controllers in the domain. To do this, open PowerShell with administrative privileges and run the following command:

“dfsrmig /setglobalstate 1”

This command sets the global state to “Prepared,” indicating that DFSR has been enabled on all domain controllers.

Step 3: Migrate the SYSVOL Replica to DFSR

The next step is to migrate the SYSVOL replica from FRS to DFSR. This process involves creating a new replica on the DFSR system and then transferring the data from the FRS replica. To do this, run the following commands:

“dfsrmig /setglobalstate 2”

“dfsrmig /setglobalstate 3”

“dfsrmig /setglobalstate 4”

These commands set the global state to “Redirected,” indicating that the SYSVOL replica has been migrated to DFSR.

Step 4: Verify Replication

After migrating the SYSVOL replica, it’s essential to verify that replication is working correctly. You can do this by running the “repadmin /showrepl” command again and ensuring that there are no errors or warnings.

Step 5: Migrate Other Replicas to DFSR

Once you have verified that the SYSVOL replica is replicating correctly, you can start migrating other replicas to DFSR. To do this, follow the same process as above, creating a new DFSR replica and then transferring the data from the FRS replica.

Step 6: Monitor Replication

After migrating all replicas to DFSR, it’s crucial to monitor replication to ensure that everything is working correctly. You can do this by using the DFS Management console or the “dfsrdiag” command.

In conclusion, migrating from FRS to DFSR is a crucial step in upgrading your AD environment. It’s essential to follow the steps outlined above carefully to ensure a smooth transition. Remember to check the replication status before beginning, enable DFSR on all domain controllers, migrate the SYSVOL replica first, verify replication, migrate other replicas to DFSR, and monitor replication after the migration is complete.

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