Developing a Test Plan
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
It is important to develop a plan for testing your domain upgrade procedures throughout the upgrade process. Before you begin, test your existing domain controllers to ensure that they are functioning properly, and continue to test your domain controllers throughout the process to verify that Active Directory replication is consistent and successful.
Many of the tools required to verify your domain upgrade procedures are located in the Support\Tools folder on the Windows Server 2003 operating system CD. Install the Windows Server 2003 support tools on a client computer running Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional or on a Windows Server 2003–based member server.
Table 9.3 lists the tools and log files to use in your test plan.
Table 9.3 Tools and Logs Used to Test Domain Upgrade Procedures
| Tool/Log File | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
Repadmin.exe |
Checks replication consistency and monitors both inbound and outbound replication partners. Displays replication status of inbound replication partners and directory partitions. |
Windows Server 2003 operating system CD in the Support\Tools folder. |
Dcdiag.exe |
Diagnoses the state of domain controllers in a forest or enterprise, tests for successful Active Directory connectivity and functionality, and returns the results as passed or failed. |
Windows Server 2003 operating system CD in the Support\Tools folder. |
Netdiag.exe |
Diagnoses networking and connectivity problems by performing a series of tests to determine the state of your network client and whether it is functional. |
Windows Server 2003 operating system CD in the Support\Tools folder. |
Nltest.exe |
Queries and checks the status of trusts and can forcibly shut down domain controllers. |
Windows Server 2003 operating system CD in the Support\Tools folder. |
Dnscmd.exe |
Provides the properties of DNS servers, zones, and resource records. |
Windows Server 2003 operating system CD in the Support\Tools folder. |
Adprep Log |
Provides a detailed progress report of the forest and domain preparation process. |
%systemroot%\System32\Debug\Adprep folder. |
Dcpromoui.log and Dcpromo.log |
Provides a detailed progress report of the Active Directory installation. Includes information regarding replication and services in addition to applicable error messages. |
%systemroot%\Debug folder. |
Adsiedit.exe |
A Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that acts as a low-level editor for Active Directory and allows you to view, add, delete, and move objects and attributes within the directory. |
Windows Server 2003 operating system CD in the Support\Tools folder. |
For more information about Windows Support Tools, in Help and Support Center for Windows Server 2003, click Tools, and then click Install Windows Support Tools.
Create a test matrix that meets your needs, based on the services that you require to support your environment. For a worksheet to assist you in documenting your test matrix, see "Windows 2000 Upgrade Test Matrix" (DSSUPWN_3.doc) on the Windows Server 2003 Deployment Kit companion CD (or see "Windows 2000 Upgrade Test Matrix" on the Web at https://www.microsoft.com/reskit).
Figure 9.5 shows an example of a completed upgrade test matrix.
Figure 9.5 Example of a Windows 2000 Upgrade Test Matrix
.gif "Example of a Windows 2000 Upgrade Test Matrix")