Hi, I am upgrading a domain controller/file server from win2003 standard to win2008 r2 standard. We are planing to have a file server and an AD controller. Our old hardware will be scrapped, we want to copy all AD users/computers to new machine and keep current domain name.

I never done this before. What are the best practices? Is it better if we get a contractor to do it for us? I guess best way to start is to build new servers, copy data, take old server down and put new server online. My gut says we would need to re-join all computers. Is that correct?

Any input appreciated.