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Install Windows Server Essentials

Boot the Windows Server Essentials DVD or the Windows Server Essentials .ISO file and install Windows Server Essentials on the computer.

Choose the server installation mode: Clean Install or Server Migration

Run the Configure Windows Server Essentials wizard (C:\Windows\System32\EssentialsRoleConfigWizard.exe).

Depending on the edition of WSE, you might see a prompt for Choose your preferred installation mode of Windows Server Essentials, where you have two choices: Clean Install or Server Migration.

• If you are cloning Active Directory, choose Clean Install. Then create a dummy domain name and and a dummy computer name (see below).
• If you are upgrading Active Directory (swing migration), choose Server Migration.

Cloning: Choose a dummy domain name and a dummy computer name

If you are cloning AD, when prompted enter a dummy internal domain name (example: dummydomain) and a dummy computer name (example: dummybox). This is important to avoid two computers serving the same Active Directory domain name at the same time. U-Move will refuse to continue if it detects another computer on the same network with the same name.

You can ignore the warning message, “These settings cannot be changed after your server setup is complete.” U-Move will later copy the real domain name and the real computer name when it moves Active Directory.

Cloning: Choose a temporary administrator name and password

When prompted enter a temporary administrator name and password. Write down the administrator name and password so you can log on to install and run U-Move. U-Move will later copy the real administrator name and password when it moves Active Directory.

Bug: Windows Server 2016 Essentials

On Windows Server 2016 Essentials there is a known bug where Configure Windows Server Essentials might get stuck on the step Updating and preparing your server (17% complete or 39% complete). This happens because the Configure Windows Server Essentials service (WseMgmtSvc) is not running. The workaround is to start the service manually (NET START WseMgmtSvc).

Windows Update: Install all Required Updates

Go to Windows Update and install the most recent required updates from Microsoft. A reboot might be necessary.

U-Move will warn you if you forget to install critical updates that are required to move Active Directory.

Do not join any desktop computers to the new Windows Server Essentials server. Wait until after you load Active Directory.

Next step: Transfer the snapshot.

Moving Windows Server Essentials

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More Information for Migration

If you are upgrading Active Directory, see also Windows Server Essenials (Small Business Server) (Microsoft Docs).