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Plan for DFS Replication for SYSVOL

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008

The SYSVOL shared folder contains logon scripts and Group Policy objects (GPOs) for a domain. It replicates to all domain controllers, including read-only domain controllers (RODCs). If you create a new domain and select the Windows Server 2008 domain functional level during the installation of Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), SYSVOL contents are replicated by Distributed File System (DFS) Replication by default. You do not have to perform migration from File Replication Service (FRS) in this situation.

If SYSVOL is not replicated with DFS Replication, it is replicated with FRS by default. After you raise the domain functional level to Windows Server 2008, you can use the Dfsrmig.exe tool to migrate from FRS replication to DFS Replication of SYSVOL.

The process for migration from FRS replication to DFS Replication is designed to minimize any potential downtime for the contents of the SYSVOL shared folder.

Important

If the SYSVOL shared folder is not available on a domain controller, users and computers will not be able to log on using that domain controller.

This process is designed with multiple steps to make monitoring of the migration easy, and it accounts for replication latency. During the migration, you can retain detailed control, perform backup and restore operations, and roll back anytime before you commit entirely to the migration.

The process for migration from FRS replication to DFS Replication accounts for RODCs and for scenarios in which multiple domain controllers are deployed in one or more hub sites and branch offices. The process does not depend on all domain controllers being online or reachable at the time of the migration.

The DFS Replication service detects the migration process when it polls AD DS. Then, it performs the steps that are required to migrate the domain controller.

For more information about the process for migration from FRS replication to DFS Replication, see the SYSVOL Replication Migration Guide: FRS to DFS Replication (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=93057).