Step-By-Step: Migrating a 2003 file server with Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit

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Migrate_Windows_Server_2003_File_Server

On a recent post entitled, Step-By-Step: Migrating a Windows Server 2003 file server, NTFS and Share Rights to Windows Server 2012 R2, a question was asked as to why Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit 1.2 was not utilized. As you know PowerShell is an IT professional’s best friend as it can substantially reduce the time it takes to complete certain tasks. However, there is nothing wrong with completing tasks via a graphical interface and utilization of the Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit is a great example.

The Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit assists system administrators migrate shared folders between servers running Windows operating systems. The toolkit utilizes the Distributed File System (DFS) and is capable of maintaining Universal Naming Convention (UNC) paths thus providing a simplified migration process.

Step 1: Installation and Preparation

  1. Download the Microsoft File Server Migration Toolkit
     

  2. Install the toolkit on the target Windows 2012 R2 Server

    Note: It is suggested to install the complete installation as opposed to the custom installation
     

  3. Once the installation is completed, run the tool and create a new migration project by selecting New…
     

  4. Enter or browse the location where the project will be stored and logs and click Next
     

  5. If you have a DFS server, select Use the following DFS root server: and specify the server name of the server that hosts it and click Next. If not DFS server is present, leave everything blank and click Next

    Note: The DFS Consolidation Root Wizard creates consolidated roots preserving the original UNC paths of consolidated files
     

  6. Enter or browse the location of the shares and click Next

    Note: It is advised to create a new folder as to where the data will be copied to ensure a clean transfer
     

  7. Click Next to complete the wizard
     

Step 2: Migration

  1. In the Project Screen, click on Add Server…
     
  2. Enter the name of the source server and click OK
     
  3. Select the shared folders on the source server that are required for migration and click Continue
     
  4. Validation is performed ensuring the shares are available. Once validation is completed, click Continue to enable the first copy of the data set
     
  5. Once the first copy is completed, click Continue which will copy the delta with respect to the first copy. Share directories on the target will also now be enabled once completed.
     
  6. On the Warning window, understand that access to the source shares will be disabled until the migration is completed. Click Yes to complete the migration
     

Be sure the click View Report…. should any errors arise with said migration. The report will detail the shares and or files which failed migration. Also, visit Microsoft Virtual Academy and complete the Windows Server 2003 End Of Life module to learn of other migration tools available.