Edit

Share via


Migrate SYSVOL replication from File Replication Service (FRS) to Distributed File System Replication (DFSR)

Active Directory ___domain controllers use a special shared folder named SYSVOL to replicate sign-in scripts and Group Policy object files to other ___domain controllers. Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 used the File Replication Service (FRS) to replicate the SYSVOL folder and its contents. Current versions of Windows Server use the newer Distributed File System Replication (DFS Replication) service, which was introduced in Windows Server 2008, for domains that use the Windows Server 2008 ___domain functional level or later. Windows Server 2008 uses FRS for domains that run older ___domain functional levels.

If you're running a ___domain that uses FRS, you can migrate the replication of the SYSVOL folder to use DFS Replication. This migration is a one-way process. After you migrate to DFS Replication, you can't revert to FRS.

This article provides a guide to help you migrate the SYSVOL folder from FRS to DFS Replication. The migration process is complex and requires careful planning and execution. The guide includes information about the migration process, prerequisites, and procedures.

Prerequisites

This article assumes you have a basic knowledge of Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), FRS, and Distributed File System Replication (DFS Replication). For more information, see:

Printable download

To download a printable version of this guide, go to SYSVOL Replication Migration Guide: FRS to DFS Replication.

Migration articles

The SYSVOL migration guide provides articles that describe a range of concepts and procedures from the use of FRS to the use DFS. Use the following list to access articles about migrating the SYSVOL folder to use DFS Replication.

Concepts

Review these concepts about SYSVOL migration states for a basic understanding of the migration tasks.

Procedures

Follow these SYSVOL migration procedures for a basic understanding of the migration states.

Troubleshooting

Access these articles that describe known issues and provide troubleshooting guidance.

References

The following resources offer supplemental reference information: