Migrating from Workgroup to Domain

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Lensflair

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May 23, 2017
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I've been reading a lot about Windows server setup here but there are still things I'd like to ask.
I was hired in a company to oversee all IT related concerns. I'm inclined in being a technical support but have minimal experience in network administration so please bear with me. I have basic knowledge in windows server (AD & group policy). I also practice in virtual environment. My company has at least 60 users and they don't have IT guy for such a long time until I came onboard. We have 1 server which is just used as File & Storage Services and just Workgroup.

My questions are as follows:
1. Is the domain name for windows server the same as the domain name for hosting websites that need to be registered?
2. Is it safe to migrate the workgroup to domain? What could be the conflicts that could arise especially in terms of IP addressing and DNS. (I'm not expert in networking though)
3. I'm proposing to have a domain so I'm thinking of suggesting to buy 2 additional servers. 1 physical server with installed Win Server 2012 R2 adding Hyper-V to virtualize 1 PDC, 1 DNS and 1 DHCP member servers in it. Same with the other physical server. Is this feasible?
4. How many license for VM can I have in one Win Server 2012 R2?
5. In putting a static IP, how can I choose an IP out of IP ranges given by my ISP? Any IP will do? Same with DNS.
6. Is it okay to change the administrator password of our windows server?

I apologize if I have a lot of questions in one post. Every answer and inputs will be appreciated.
 
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Your problem is question 1 means you want a education on how the concept of domains and that itself is pretty major undertaking. It can not really be answered in a forum post. But from a simplistic view they are not the same since you can run your server with no internet connection at all. BUT they are very closely related in how they function.

Your other question is also showing a huge lack of knowledge. A good installation will not actually have a administrator password...it will have users assigned as administrators and they will use their own passwords.

You do not even have the fundamental knowledge of how a domain server works you can make a horrible mess.
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nigelivey

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Dec 6, 2011
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I'm in no way trying to be rude but there is a reason IT Manager and Network administrator are job titles! I would suggest either hiring someone in to migrate and setup your IT as the company needs as they will be able to do it without trial and ERROR.
 
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bill001g

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Aug 9, 2012
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Even though microsoft certifications are close to worthless because so many people have them at least if companies required them they would get people who at least know the basics.

I could see you were the small business owner coming this forum that can not afford a IT guy but you are getting paid to do the job and you are in effect asking us on the forum to do your job for you.

You best bet is to do nothing if things are currently working. Unless you know why you need other functionality you should not implement it. Just because it is something fun to play with is not a valid reason to implement stuff. You can make things not secure when you do not know what you are doing. You also may be spending money for software licenses that you will never really need. You need to make as little change as possible unless you really know what you are doing.

Basic stuff like why does your server even need any connectivity with the internet in the first place. If its job is to just provide file sharing access for the employees then it would only need internet maybe to get software patches. You would never even consider assigning it a external IP address. You put a server on the internet and it will come under immediate attack. The difference between a internet facing server and a internal ad server are night and day in how they are configured.

Your best bet is to study the microsoft certification material. Although that alone will not make someone a expert it will get you to the point that you could answer most the questions you have posted
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Mar 16, 2013
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I was hired in a company to oversee all IT related concerns. I'm inclined in being a technical support but have minimal experience in network administration so please bear with me.
Click to expand...

(not related to your steps 1-6 above)
This is what you do:

Step 1. Leave things as they are. Touch nothing. Spend nothing.
Step 2. Take a years worth of classes. Networking, Server, A+, Security+. Pass all the relevant certifications.
Step 3. After completion of Step 2, convince the boss to hire a local consultant to investigate things as they are
Step 4. Follow the consultant around. Take notes. All day, every day. Live in his back pocket.
Step 4. Between you, the consultant, and the management, come up with a plan and a hard budget of where you want to be in 6 months.
Step 5. Follow the consultant around, and you and he actually implement this 'plan'.
Step 6. During this process, document everything.
Step 7. We are now almost 2 years into the process. At this point, you have achieved the level of "Touch nothing unless it is actually broken"
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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"1. Is the domain name for windows server the same as the domain name for hosting websites that need to be registered?"
No.

"6. Is it okay to change the administrator password of our windows server?"
Since you do not know what other services or functions rely on that password, no.

See my Step 1 and Step 7 above.
 
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bill001g

Titan
Aug 9, 2012
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Your problem is question 1 means you want a education on how the concept of domains and that itself is pretty major undertaking. It can not really be answered in a forum post. But from a simplistic view they are not the same since you can run your server with no internet connection at all. BUT they are very closely related in how they function.

Your other question is also showing a huge lack of knowledge. A good installation will not actually have a administrator password...it will have users assigned as administrators and they will use their own passwords.

You do not even have the fundamental knowledge of how a domain server works you can make a horrible mess.
 
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