If you're in the process of migrating from Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, you've no doubt discovered (if you didn't already know) that there's no built-in method of transferring your DHCP database.

IT guru Scott Lowe to the rescue. Writing for TechRepublic, Lowe explains in step-by-step detail how to make the DHCP move--an act he says "can make or break your migration."

The process is different depending on whether you're starting with Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003. Here's a refreshingly plain-English excerpt from the tutorial on the former:

The process to migrate your Windows 2000 Server DHCP database to Windows Server 2008 requires a two-step strategy. First, you'll export the DHCP settings from your old Windows server. Then, you'll import those settings into the server that's running Windows Server 2008. You should be prepared to spend about 15-20 minutes performing the procedure, assuming that you already have Windows Server 2008 installed and configured ahead of time. It's also assumed that you've installed the DHCP role on the Windows Server 2008 computer.

All told, this is an excellent resource for IT pros planning or executing a migration to Windows Server 2008. If that's you, hit the comments and tell us what you think of Lowe's walkthrough--and whether you found it helpful.

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