The following are best practices from this chapter:
Choose the in-place Upgrade method when looking for a speedier and more straightforward upgrade process.
Choose the Migration with ADMT method when it is preferable to create a new domain structure and consolidate existing domains.
Test the hardware compatibility of any server that will be directly upgraded to Windows Server 2003 against the published Hardware Compatibility List from Microsoft.
Migrate groups before users when using the Active Directory Migration Tool. This preserves the user 's group membership.
Use the Microsoft Compatibility Check Tool on the Windows Server 2003 CD to test application compatibility.
Review the server event and system logs upon completing any upgrade.
When possible, replace NT BDCs with new Windows Server 2003 DCs, as opposed to upgrading them.
Test the ADMT migration process before performing the actual migration.
