Test Copy

You can copy Active Directory to a test computer on an isolated network for testing. This lets you try out changes to Active Directory without fear of harming your production network.

Microsoft recommends that you validate the compatibility of all security-related configuration changes in a test forest before you introduce them in a production environment (Q823659).

Testing is especially important if you plan to make major or irreversible changes to Active Directory. These changes include switching the domain from Mixed Mode to Native Mode, switching the Forest Functional Level from Windows 2000 to Windows 2003, or modifying the AD database schema.

Training

A test environment is also useful for training. It is especially valuable for acquiring Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification.

Safe to Use

UMove is safe to run on the source computer. It does not modify or change AD on the source computer in any way. UMove simply runs NTBACKUP to make a snapshot of AD on the source computer. During the backup there is no measurable delay or interruption of AD service.

Testing on a Virtual Machine

You can use either a physical computer or a virtual machine (VM). A VM is the recommended choice, as it is easier to “reset” and can guarantee network isolation because it does not run on real network hardware. UMove works with VMware®, Microsoft® Virtual Server™, and Microsoft® Hyper-V™. (It also works with Microsoft Virtual PC™ on a desktop computer running XP or Vista, but this configuration is not supported by Microsoft.)

VMware Server and Virtual Server 2005 R2 are Free

VMware Server and Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 are both free utilities that let you run Windows Server as a virtual machine. Either utility can be installed on any host computer that is already running Windows Server. (The license for Virtual Server 2005 R2 allows installation on XP or Vista for testing — “non-production use”.)

To run Virtual Server 2005 R2, download Virtual Server 2005 R2 and apply Virtual Server 2005 R2 Service Pack 1 and the VS 2005 R2 SP1 Update.

For more information

See the topics Steps for Testing and Creating a Test Forest.