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Sign up nowMigrate SYSVOL replication to DFS Replication
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Domain controllers use a special shared folder named SYSVOL to replicate sign-in scripts and Group Policy object files to other domain controllers. Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 use the File Replication Service (FRS) to replicate SYSVOL. Windows Server 2008 uses the newer Distributed File System Replication (DFS Replication) service for domains that use the Windows Server 2008 domain functional level. Windows Server 2008 uses FRS for domains that run older domain functional levels.
To use DFS Replication to replicate the SYSVOL folder, you can create a new domain that uses the Windows Server 2008 domain functional level. You can also use the procedure described in this article to upgrade an existing domain and migrate replication to DFS Replication.
This article assumes you have a basic knowledge of Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), FRS, and Distributed File System Replication (DFS Replication). For more information, see:
To download a printable version of this guide, go to SYSVOL Replication Migration Guide: FRS to DFS Replication.
The SYSVOL migration guide provides topics that describe a range of concepts and procedures from the use of FRS to the use DFS. Use the following list to access articles about migrating the SYSVOL folder to use DFS Replication.
Review these concepts about SYSVOL migration states for a basic understanding of the migration tasks.
- SYSVOL migration conceptual information
- SYSVOL migration states
- Overview of the SYSVOL migration procedure
Follow these SYSVOL migration procedures for a basic understanding of the migration states.
- SYSVOL migration procedure
- Migrating to the Prepared state
- Migrating to the Redirected state
- Migrating to the Eliminated state
Access these articles that describe known issues and provide troubleshooting guidance.
- Troubleshooting SYSVOL migration
- Troubleshooting SYSVOL migration issues
- Rolling back SYSVOL migration to a previous stable state
The following resources offer supplemental reference information:
- SYSVOL migration reference information
- Supported SYSVOL migration scenarios
- Verifying the state of SYSVOL migration
- Dfsrmig
- SYSVOL migration tool actions
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 1 – Introduction to the SYSVOL migration process
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 2 – Dfsrmig.exe: The SYSVOL migration tool
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 3 - Migrating to the 'PREPARED' state
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 4 – Migrating to the 'REDIRECTED' state
- SYSVOL Migration Series: Part 5 – Migrating to the 'ELIMINATED' state
- Distributed File System step-by-step guide for Windows Server 2008
- FRS technical reference
Additional resources
Training
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