Test Copy
You can copy Active Directory to a computer located on an isolated network for testing purposes. 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.
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, raising the Forest Functional Level, or modifying the AD database schema.
Training
A test environment is useful for training or acquiring Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification.
Safe to Use
U-Move is always safe to run on the source computer.
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. U-Move is compatible with all major virtual machine software products, such as VMware® and Microsoft® Hyper-V™..
U-Move also works with VM cloud services such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine.
A Test Copy is Faster
When you select the choice this is a test, and you have more than one DC in your domain, the cloned DC will boot faster. U-Move will tell the DC to not pause during its first boot while it waits for a successful replication with another DC. Otherwise, you will need to wait 30-60 minutes before you can log on while the DC vainly attempts to contact the missing peer DC(s). During this wait time, the screen will display Applying computer settings.
VMware Workstation
VMware Workstation Pro version 17.6 has known stability issues. We recommend that you use VMware Workstation Pro 17.5. We also recommend that you disable Accelerate 3D graphics in the VMware settings for the VM.
For more information
See the topics Steps for Testing and Creating a Test Forest.
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