>Is there a way to copy all user accounts from one server to a new machine? I know I can get all the IIS information using iissync.exe. Is there a similar utility to copy the user profiles?
>
Rick, the following is one of several entries from
www.ntfaq.com:Q. How can I move users from one machine to another?
A. If you just want to replace the PDC of a domain with a new machine, the easiest way is to install the new machine as a BDC and then promote to the PDC which removes the need of adding/removing users.
If you actually want to merge two domains or just move some accounts the procedure below should help. You will need the resource kit utility addusers.exe
Log on as an Administrator on the machine that has the accounts you wish to move
Run the command
addusers /d
This will create a comma separated file with details of all accounts and groups.
You don't want the information about global or local groups (such as Administrators etc) so edit the file and remove the [Global] and [Local] sections and their content.
Copy the file to the machine you want to create the accounts on or a network drive
Log on as an Administrator on the machine that the accounts should be added, if a domain, log on to the PDC
Run the command
addusers /c
This will read in the file and create the accounts
You could then delete the accounts of off the original machine using
addusers /e
New versions of the addusers.exe utility add support so users don't have to change their passwords, e.g.
/p: Set's account creation options, followed by an comb. of {lced}
l Users do not have to change passwords at next logon.
c Users cannot change passwords.
e Passwords never expire. (implies l option)
d Accounts disabled.
So, 'addusers /e /p:l' would mean the users don't have to change the passwords.
