Cloning domain controllers

[Lamia]

Hi,

I would like to clone a domain controller so that I wouldn't have to promote the server to a domain controller etc.

Is is possible to do so?

Thanks

 

[VictorSTS]

From a Proxmox perspective, yes, you can clone any VM. From an AD perspective: Just don't do it.

Install a new server and proceed with the promotion of the server. Your AD will probably break if you simply clone the server as the internal data of the domain may not be able to distinguish your two DC's. Maybe someone on Windows AD or Samba AD forums/maillists can give you any other guidance on this, but I prefer not to reinvent the wheel.

 

[Lamia]

Thanks a lot for your response. Indeed, I do have a Windows Server 2016 template not to have to reinstall from scratch for every server, but will proceed with promotion as suggested.

 

[VictorSTS]

Make sure you do "sysprep" every and each Windows machine you get into your domain, specially for domain controllers. You really dont want two machines with the same SID!