Consolidating Data from Windows NT

The Novell^® Server Consolidation Utility automates key tasks, such as migrating users and their file permissions, assigning passwords, and migrating the NT* file system to a designated eDirectory^TM tree. This automation eliminates the need to choose from various utilities that would help you perform these tasks individually.

Although many tasks are automated in the Server Consolidation Utility, you should consider the following issues before you get started.

Plan your consolidation by answering the following questions:

• Which NT users are accessing which NT files and directories, and where are those files and directories located?

  This information will help you decide which NT servers to migrate first and how many servers you will need to migrate at one time. When you migrate your users and groups, you will want to migrate all files and directories that they have access to at the same time that you migrate their User objects.

• Which NetWare^® servers and volumes are you going to migrate your NT folders to?

  You should plan which servers and volumes in your destination eDirectory tree will receive each of your NT folders. You can select a separate location for each NT folder, if desired. In order to plan effectively, you will need to become familiar with the file structure on the NetWare servers in your destination eDirectory tree.

• Which NT users and groups am I going to migrate? Which eDirectory containers on the destination eDirectory tree am I going to migrate them into?

  Decide which NT user and groups you are going to migrate, then determine whether you will need to create separate containers for your NT users and groups in the destination eDirectory tree. When you model your migration in the Project Window, you can create any additional eDirectory containers you might need by right-clicking an eDirectory Organizational Unit.

• Do any existing eDirectory User objects represent the same person in my NT domain?

  Determine whether any of your NT users already have an eDirectory account. During the migration you will be asked if you want to search the eDirectory tree for duplicate usernames. When the Server Consolidation Utility finds identical usernames, it will display these in a table where you can choose to merge the listed NT user with an eDirectory User object.

• What will I do with any applications that do not run on NetWare?

  The Server Consolidation Utility does not migrate applications. After the migration, you will have to reinstall your applications. If you have some applications that do not run on NetWare, you can keep an NT server intact and use it as an application server.

• How do I want to migrate information about my users and groups? Do I want to use a Template object?

  For information, see Create a Template Object.

• Do I have any trusted domains?

  If so, you must reassign any trusted domain permissions to the appropriate NT user and groups after the migration is complete. Use ConsoleOne^® to reassign all lost trusted domain permissions.

When you have planned your migration, you're ready to begin your NT migration. Complete the following tasks in the order they are listed.

1. Meet System and Software Requirements.
2. Perform Prerequisite Tasks.
3. Run Server Consolidation.
4. Model Your Consolidation Project.
5. Verify Your Consolidation Project.
6. Migrate Users and Data to the Destination eDirectory Tree.
7. Perform Post-Consolidation Tasks.