Step-By-Step: Migration of DHCP from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012

Migration from Windows Server 2003 to 2012 has been deemed troublesome by few as the netsh DHCP command-line was replaced in Windows Server 2012 by PowerShell. The process however is actually quite easy and can be completed in a few steps.

Prerequisite

Download Windows Server 2012. If you plan on completing this Step-By-Step in a virtual lab, it is recommended to download the FREE Hyper-V Server 2012 first.

Beginning the export process on Windows Server 2003

1. On the Windows 2003 DHCP server, navigate to a command prompt
2. Type the following Command: netsh
3. Type the following Command: DHCP
4. Type the following Command: server \\Name or IP Address
5. Type the following Command: export c:\w2k3DHCPdb all
   
   Note You must have local administrator permissions to export the data.

Importing the DHCP database on Windows Server 2012

1. Copy the exported DHCP database file to the local hard disk of the Windows Server 2008-based computer. 
2. From within Server Manager, select Add roles and features
   
   
3. Select Role-based of featured-based installation and select Next.
   
4. On the Server Selection window, leave the default and select Next. When the Server Roles window opens, select DHCP. Select Add Features in the pop-up window, then select Next.
   
   
5. Once the DHCP install has been completed, select DHCP located in the Server Manager dashboard
6. Right click the designated DHCP server in the services pane, then select Stop.
7. Delete the DHCP.mdb file under c:\windows\system32\DHCP folder.
8. Return to DHCP located in the Server Manager dashboard
9. Right click the designated DHCP server in the services pane, then select Start.
10. Right-click on the bottom left hand side of the desktop screen to invoke the admin menu
    
    
11. Select Command Prompt (Admin) to open the cmd prompt using elevated privileges. 
12. Type the following Command: netsh
13. Type the following Command: DHCP
14. Type the following Command: server \\Name or IP Address
15. Type the following Command: import c:\w2k3DHCPdb
16. Close the command prompt when completed.
17. Return to DHCP located in the Server Manager dashboard.
18. Right click the designated DHCP server in the services pane, then select Restart.
19. Disable and remove DHCP from the Windows 2003 server.

Simply setup your scope options for your new Windows Server 2012 DHCP server and then Authorize it within your domain and the  migration is complete.