Migrating from FRS to DFSR SYSVOL: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Quick Migration

Hi Readers,

Recently I was trying to add domain controller 2019 in our existing environment, but i was using domain controller 2008, 2012 and 2016 already in the organization, so i was facing below error due to which I was not able to add domain controller 2019 to my existing environment. my simple goal is to remove windows domain controller 2008 and add domain controller 2019 but for acheving this we need to resolve below.

so, if you are facing the same, then you are in a right place.

Introduction

File Replication Service (FRS) is a deprecated technology used for replicating SYSVOL folders in Active Directory domains. Microsoft recommends migrating to Distributed File System Replication (DFSR) for improved performance, reliability, and security. In this blog post, we will walk through the Quick Migration methodology to migrate from FRS to DFSR SYSVOL.

Pre-Migration Verification and Diagnostics

Before starting the migration process, ensure your domain controllers are healthy and replication is functioning correctly. 

Follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run: Repadmin /syncall /force /APed (on your Primary Domain Controller)

2. Review logs and errors, fixing critical AD replication issues before proceeding.

3. Run Dcdiag /e /test:sysvolcheck /test:advertising on all domain controllers to verify:

    - SYSVOL is shared and accessible.

    - Domain controllers are advertising and available.

There are 3 methodologies:

1. Quick Migration (where you don’t know if your domain controllers are healthy, and you want a rollback option)

2. Express Migration (where you are sure that your domain controllers are healthy, and you want a rollback option)

 3. Hyper Migration (where you want to migrate with the minimum steps and are confident of domain controller health)

I am covering only methodology 1, which is Quick migration:

Quick Migration Steps

Step 1: Prepare Migration

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Run: Dfsrmig /setglobalstate 1

As shown below image:

Step 2: Verify Prepared State

1. Run: Dfsrmig /getmigrationstate

2. Verify all domain controllers show a "Prepared" state.

As shown below image:

Step 3: Redirect to DFSR

1. Run: Dfsrmig /setglobalstate 2

As Show below:

Step 4: Verify Redirected State

1. Run: Dfsrmig /getmigrationstate

2. Verify all domain controllers show a "Redirected" state. (Currently it is in prepared State)

As Shown below:

in above image you can see that the 2 DC's are in Prepared State, so now we need to wait till we get confirmation on global State changed to Redirected State.

and once these Dc's state changed, it will show the final confirmation message of State changed, and these DC's wont show as a (Prepared State)

then you can move to the final step which is:

Step 5: Eliminate FRS

1. Run: Dfsrmig /setglobalstate 3

As shown below:

Step 6: Verify Eliminated State

1. Run: Dfsrmig /getmigrationstate

2. Verify all domain controllers show an "Eliminated" state, indicating successful migration.

As Shown Below:

Common Errors and Solutions

- Verification of replica failed: Ensure AD replication is functioning correctly and fix critical errors before migration.

- FRS is deprecated: This error indicates the need for migration.

Conclusion

Migrating from FRS to DFSR SYSVOL using Quick Migration ensures a reliable and efficient replication process for your Active Directory domain. By following these steps and verifying domain controller health before migration, you can avoid common errors and ensure a successful transition.

Additional Resources

- Microsoft Documentation: Migrating SYSVOL to DFSR

- DFSR Migration Guide (Microsoft TechNet)

- SYSVOL Replication Migration Guide: FRS to DFS Replication Guide.

Best Practices

- Perform migration during maintenance windows to minimize impact.

- Monitor replication and system performance post-migration.

- Test SYSVOL replication after migration to ensure success.

By following this guide, you'll be able to successfully migrate from FRS to DFSR SYSVOL using Quick Migration, ensuring improved performance, reliability, and security for your Active Directory domain.