server 2003 r2 upgrade

Best way to backup windows server 2003 before upgrading to server 2008 ?

I'm getting ready to migrate 4 servers at work running windows server 2003 to windows server 2008 R2, what is the best way to backup everything before the upgrade so I can quickly roll back if something goes wrong?

Because you have a second domain controller the process can be relatively painless, just do it server by server and take your time to ensure everything is working.

What I would do is the following:

Before making any changes use a back up utility (Windows Server Backup works but there are far better 3rd party systems out there) and take a system state back up, as well as a full back up of the first computer you are attempting to upgrade. Insert the Windows server 2008 CD and allow the system to process the upgrade. Once it is completed I would recommend letting the dust settle (that is leave it and the entire network alone) overnight. This ensure that the KCC will established convergence and Active Directory will be set to go.

If this first upgrade fails, reinstall Windows Server 2003, boot to Directory Service Restore Mode and first restore the system state, and then the entire hard drive. Establish why it failed and retry (if you choose to) or reevaluate whether the upgrade is even needed.

Following that, ensure that all Master Roles are properly configured, and prepare to upgrade the 2nd DC. Follow the same backup steps as before for each server. Remember to let the dust settle after each upgrade, ensure computer names do not change, and ensure that your Active Directory databases are always backed up (preferably twice) before making any major changes.

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NComputing L300 on Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise