DFS Namespace and Replcation - server migration

manning salazar 1 Reputation point
2021-10-14T01:00:32.037+00:00

I am using DFS Namespace and Replication to migrate shares from Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2019. I have created the domain based namespaces for the server shares that exist on the 2012 server, on both servers as namespace servers. I created the replication group on the server 2012, and the folders have completely replicated to the new 2019 server. I would like to modify the share mappings in group policy to the use the domain namespace instead of the server name\share name, verify access, then modify the replication groups to switch the primary server from the server 2012 to the server 2019, verify access, then remove the old server. But I am confused as to whether I need to "share and publish" the the replicated folders in DFS Replication, and whether I should manually add the replication group to the 2019 server, since it does not appear there when I open DFS Management, and I have to add it as a replication group to display every time I open the DFS management on the new 2019 server. On the one hand, it seems like I should manually add the replication group, and that it is really only on the other server, but I am worried that adding it to the second 2019 server may create conflicts. I am pretty sure I should share and publish it from the DFS Replication folders, but want to make sure I don't affect access since the server 2012 is in production. Also, will the share permissions from the old server 2012 replicate, so users will have the same access when referencing through the domain namespace, instead of the server\sharename? I read permissions migrate, but since it is a new share? This may all seem very basic, but I cannot find answers or documentation covering these specific questions.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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Windows Server Management
Windows Server Management
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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Windows Server Migration
Windows Server Migration
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Migration: The process of making existing applications and data work on a different computer or operating system.
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  1. Limitless Technology 39,341 Reputation points
    2021-10-14T19:07:04.233+00:00

    Hello @manning salazar

    In your case I would advice to use the Storage Migration Service, which would me easier and granular all your actions during the migration.

    Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/storage-migration-service/migrate-data

    The important step that you will need to ensure that there is no conflict, is that after the migration, you will need to change which server will be the Replication Master or if desirable a multi-master configuration:

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/dfs-replication/dfsr-overview

    Hope this helps with your query,

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