If you are getting ready to upgrade your Windows Domain from Server 2003 (32-Bit) to Server 2008 R2 (64-Bit). Then please read just to ensure you've got all your bases covered.

<!--more-->

First off make sure you get plenty of backups. Next copy over the ADPREP folder found on the Server 2008 R2 disc. This contains the ADPREP and the ADPREP32.EXE that we'll need to run the prep commands to ensure our 2003 (existing) Domain is ready for the 2008 servers.

On the 2003 Schema Master, ensure you have the ADPREP folder copied over. Go to command line (be sure to right-click and run as administrator) and navigate to the ADPREP folder and run the following commands and make sure they complete successfully.

<strong>adprep32.exe /forestprep (Schema Master)
adprep32.exe /domainprep (Infrastructure Master)
adprep32.exe/ gpprep
adprep32.exe/ rodcprep</strong>

Note: In Windows Server 2008 R2, Adprep is available in a 32-bit and a 64-bit version. The 64-bit version runs by default, but if you need to run adprep on a 32-bit computer, then please run the 32-bit version via adprep32.exe.

Now you are ready to DCPROMO in the new 2008 R2 servers.

Be sure to take plenty of backups on the 2003 and 2008 servers before, during and after the upgrade process to ensure you are covered every step of the way.

For more information on ADPREP32.EXE please go <a href="http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc731728(WS.10).aspx">HERE</a>.