<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"><title>Chapter 31. Migration from NT4 PDC to Samba-3 PDC</title><link rel="stylesheet" href="samba.css" type="text/css"><meta name="generator" content="DocBook XSL Stylesheets V1.61.2"><link rel="home" href="index.html" title="Samba HOWTO Collection"><link rel="up" href="migration.html" title="Part IV. Migration and Updating"><link rel="previous" href="upgrading-to-3.0.html" title="Chapter 30. Upgrading from Samba-2.x to Samba-3.0.0"><link rel="next" href="SWAT.html" title="Chapter 32. SWAT The Samba Web Administration Tool"></head><body bgcolor="white" text="black" link="#0000FF" vlink="#840084" alink="#0000FF"><div class="navheader"><table width="100%" summary="Navigation header"><tr><th colspan="3" align="center">Chapter 31. Migration from NT4 PDC to Samba-3 PDC</th></tr><tr><td width="20%" align="left"><a accesskey="p" href="upgrading-to-3.0.html">Prev</a> </td><th width="60%" align="center">Part IV. Migration and Updating</th><td width="20%" align="right"> <a accesskey="n" href="SWAT.html">Next</a></td></tr></table><hr></div><div class="chapter" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h2 class="title"><a name="NT4Migration"></a>Chapter 31. Migration from NT4 PDC to Samba-3 PDC</h2></div><div><div class="author"><h3 class="author"><span class="firstname">John</span> <span class="othername">H.</span> <span class="surname">Terpstra</span></h3><div class="affiliation"><span class="orgname">Samba Team<br></span><div class="address"><p><tt class="email"><<a href="mailto:jht@samba.org">jht@samba.org</a>></tt></p></div></div></div></div><div><p class="pubdate">April 3, 2003</p></div></div><div></div></div><div class="toc"><p><b>Table of Contents</b></p><dl><dt><a href="NT4Migration.html#id2970836">Planning and Getting Started</a></dt><dd><dl><dt><a href="NT4Migration.html#id2970861">Objectives</a></dt><dt><a href="NT4Migration.html#id2971315">Steps in Migration Process</a></dt></dl></dd><dt><a href="NT4Migration.html#id2971572">Migration Options</a></dt><dd><dl><dt><a href="NT4Migration.html#id2971679">Planning for Success</a></dt><dt><a href="NT4Migration.html#id2971965">Samba-3 Implementation Choices</a></dt></dl></dd></dl></div><p>
This is a rough guide to assist those wishing to migrate from NT4 Domain Control to
Samba-3-based Domain Control.
</p><div class="sect1" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h2 class="title" style="clear: both"><a name="id2970836"></a>Planning and Getting Started</h2></div></div><div></div></div><p>
In the IT world there is often a saying that all problems are encountered because of
poor planning. The corollary to this saying is that not all problems can be anticipated
and planned for. Then again, good planning will anticipate most show-stopper-type situations.
</p><p>
Those wishing to migrate from MS Windows NT4 Domain Control to a Samba-3 Domain Control
environment would do well to develop a detailed migration plan. So here are a few pointers to
help migration get under way.
</p><div class="sect2" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h3 class="title"><a name="id2970861"></a>Objectives</h3></div></div><div></div></div><p>
The key objective for most organizations will be to make the migration from MS Windows NT4
to Samba-3 Domain Control as painless as possible. One of the challenges you may experience
in your migration process may well be one of convincing management that the new environment
should remain in place. Many who have introduced open source technologies have experienced
pressure to return to a Microsoft-based platform solution at the first sign of trouble.
</p><p>
Before attempting a migration to a Samba-3 controlled network, make every possible effort to
gain all-round commitment to the change. Know precisely <span class="emphasis"><em>why</em></span> the change
is important for the organization. Possible motivations to make a change include:
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>Improve network manageability.</p></li><li><p>Obtain better user level functionality.</p></li><li><p>Reduce network operating costs.</p></li><li><p>Reduce exposure caused by Microsoft withdrawal of NT4 support.</p></li><li><p>Avoid MS License 6 implications.</p></li><li><p>Reduce organization's dependency on Microsoft.</p></li></ul></div><p>
Make sure everyone knows that Samba-3 is not MS Windows NT4. Samba-3 offers
an alternative solution that is both different from MS Windows NT4 and offers
advantages compared with it. Gain recognition that Samba-3 lacks many of the
features that Microsoft has promoted as core values in migration from MS Windows NT4 to
MS Windows 2000 and beyond (with or without Active Directory services).
</p><p>
What are the features that Samba-3 cannot provide?
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>Active Directory Server.</p></li><li><p>Group Policy Objects (in Active Directory).</p></li><li><p>Machine Policy Objects.</p></li><li><p>Logon Scripts in Active Directory.</p></li><li><p>Software Application and Access Controls in Active Directory.</p></li></ul></div><p>
The features that Samba-3 does provide and that may be of compelling interest to your site
include:
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>Lower cost of ownership.</p></li><li><p>Global availability of support with no strings attached.</p></li><li><p>Dynamic SMB Servers (can run more than one SMB/CIFS server per UNIX/Linux system).</p></li><li><p>Creation of on-the-fly logon scripts.</p></li><li><p>Creation of on-the-fly Policy Files.</p></li><li><p>Greater stability, reliability, performance and availability.</p></li><li><p>Manageability via an ssh connection.</p></li><li><p>Flexible choices of back-end authentication technologies (tdbsam, ldapsam, mysqlsam).</p></li><li><p>Ability to implement a full single-sign-on architecture.</p></li><li><p>Ability to distribute authentication systems for absolute minimum wide area network bandwidth demand.</p></li></ul></div><p>
Before migrating a network from MS Windows NT4 to Samba-3, consider all necessary factors. Users
should be educated about changes they may experience so the change will be a welcome one
and not become an obstacle to the work they need to do. The following are factors that will
help ensure a successful migration:
</p><div class="sect3" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h4 class="title"><a name="id2971073"></a>Domain Layout</h4></div></div><div></div></div><p>
Samba-3 can be configured as a Domain Controller, a back-up Domain Controller (probably best called
a secondary controller), a Domain Member, or as a stand-alone Server. The Windows network security
domain context should be sized and scoped before implementation. Particular attention needs to be
paid to the location of the primary Domain Controller (PDC) as well as backup controllers (BDCs).
One way in which Samba-3 differs from Microsoft technology is that if one chooses to use an LDAP
authentication backend, then the same database can be used by several different domains. In a
complex organization, there can be a single LDAP database, which itself can be distributed (have
a master server and multiple slave servers) that can simultaneously serve multiple domains.
</p><p>
From a design perspective, the number of users per server as well as the number of servers per
domain should be scaled taking into consideration server capacity and network bandwidth.
</p><p>
A physical network segment may house several domains. Each may span multiple network segments.
Where domains span routed network segments, consider and test the performance implications of
the design and layout of a network. A centrally located Domain Controller that is designed to
serve multiple routed network segments may result in severe performance problems. Check the
response time (ping timing) between the remote segment and the PDC. If
it's long (more than 100 ms),
locate a backup controller (BDC) on the remote segment to serve as the local authentication and
access control server.
</p></div><div class="sect3" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h4 class="title"><a name="id2971123"></a>Server Share and Directory Layout</h4></div></div><div></div></div><p>
There are cardinal rules to effective network design that cannot be broken with impunity.
The most important rule: Simplicity is king in every well-controlled network. Every part of
the infrastructure must be managed; the more complex it is, the greater will be the demand
of keeping systems secure and functional.
</p><p>
Keep in mind the nature of how data must be shared. Physical disk space layout should be considered
carefully. Some data must be backed up. The simpler the disk layout the easier it will be to
keep track of backup needs. Identify what backup media will meet your needs; consider backup to tape,
CD-ROM or (DVD-ROM), or other offline storage medium. Plan and implement for minimum
maintenance. Leave nothing to chance in your design; above all, do not leave backups to chance:
Backup, test, and validate every backup, create a disaster recovery plan and prove that it works.
</p><p>
Users should be grouped according to data access control needs. File and directory access
is best controlled via group permissions and the use of the &directories may substantially avoid file access complaints from Samba share users.
</p><p>
Inexperienced network administrators often attempt elaborate techniques to set access
controls on files, directories, shares, as well as in share definitions.
Keep your design and implementation simple and document your design extensively. Have others
audit your documentation. Do not create a complex mess that your successor will not understand.
Remember, job security through complex design and implementation may cause loss of operations
and downtime to users as the new administrator learns to untangle your knots. Keep access
controls simple and effective and make sure that users will never be interrupted by obtuse
complexity.
</p></div><div class="sect3" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h4 class="title"><a name="id2971188"></a>Logon Scripts</h4></div></div><div></div></div><p>
Logon scripts can help to ensure that all users gain the share and printer connections they need.
</p><p>
Logon scripts can be created on-the-fly so all commands executed are specific to the
rights and privileges granted to the user. The preferred controls should be affected through
group membership so group information can be used to create a custom logon script using
the <a class="indexterm" name="id2971209"></a>root preexec parameters to the <i class="parameter"><tt>NETLOGON</tt></i> share.
</p><p>
Some sites prefer to use a tool such as <b class="command">kixstart</b> to establish a controlled
user environment. In any case, you may wish to do a Google search for logon script process controls.
In particular, you may wish to explore the use of the Microsoft Knowledge Base article KB189105 that
deals with how to add printers without user intervention via the logon script process.
</p></div><div class="sect3" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h4 class="title"><a name="id2971245"></a>Profile Migration/Creation</h4></div></div><div></div></div><p>
User and Group Profiles may be migrated using the tools described in the section titled Desktop Profile
Management.
</p><p>
<a class="indexterm" name="id2971263"></a>
Profiles may also be managed using the Samba-3 tool <b class="command">profiles</b>. This tool allows
the MS Windows NT-style security identifiers (SIDs) that are stored inside the profile <tt class="filename">NTuser.DAT</tt> file
to be changed to the SID of the Samba-3 domain.
</p></div><div class="sect3" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h4 class="title"><a name="id2971290"></a>User and Group Accounts</h4></div></div><div></div></div><p>
It is possible to migrate all account settings from an MS Windows NT4 domain to Samba-3. Before
attempting to migrate user and group accounts, it is STRONGLY advised to create in Samba-3 the
groups that are present on the MS Windows NT4 domain <span class="emphasis"><em>AND</em></span> to map them to
suitable UNIX/Linux groups. By following this simple advice, all user and group attributes
should migrate painlessly.
</p></div></div><div class="sect2" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h3 class="title"><a name="id2971315"></a>Steps in Migration Process</h3></div></div><div></div></div><p>
The approximate migration process is described below.
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>
You have an NT4 PDC that has the users, groups, policies and profiles to be migrated.
</p></li><li><p>
Samba-3 set up as a DC with netlogon share, profile share, and so on. Configure the <tt class="filename">smb.conf</tt> file
to function as a BDC, i.e., <i class="parameter"><tt>domain master = No</tt></i>.
</p></li></ul></div><div class="procedure"><p class="title"><b>Procedure 31.1. The Account Migration Process</b></p><ol type="1"><li><p>
<a class="indexterm" name="id2971376"></a>
Create a BDC account in the old NT4 domain for the Samba server using NT Server Manager.</p><ol type="a"><li><p>Samba must not be running.</p></li></ol></li><li><p>
<a class="indexterm" name="id2971407"></a>
<b class="userinput"><tt>net rpc join -S <i class="replaceable"><tt>NT4PDC</tt></i> -w <i class="replaceable"><tt>DOMNAME</tt></i> -U Administrator%<i class="replaceable"><tt>passwd</tt></i></tt></b></p></li><li><p><b class="userinput"><tt>net rpc vampire -S <i class="replaceable"><tt>NT4PDC</tt></i> -U administrator%<i class="replaceable"><tt>passwd</tt></i></tt></b></p></li><li><p><b class="userinput"><tt>pdbedit -L</tt></b></p><ol type="a"><li><p>Note did the users migrate?</p></li></ol></li><li><p>
<a class="indexterm" name="id2971492"></a>
<a class="indexterm" name="id2971503"></a>
Now assign each of the UNIX groups to NT groups:
(It may be useful to copy this text to a script called <tt class="filename">initGroups.sh</tt>)
</p><pre class="programlisting">
#!/bin/bash
net groupmap modify ntgroup="Domain Admins" unixgroup=root rid=512
net groupmap modify ntgroup="Domain Users" unixgroup=users rid=513
net groupmap modify ntgroup="Domain Guests" unixgroup=nobody rid=514
net groupmap add ntgroup="Designers" unixgroup=designers type=d rid=3200
net groupmap add ntgroup="Engineers" unixgroup=engineers type=d rid=3210
net groupmap add ntgroup="QA Team" unixgroup=qateam type=d rid=3220
</pre><p>
</p></li><li><p><b class="userinput"><tt>net groupmap list</tt></b></p><ol type="a"><li><p>Check that all groups are recognized.</p></li></ol></li></ol></div><p>
Migrate all the profiles, then migrate all policy files.
</p></div></div><div class="sect1" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h2 class="title" style="clear: both"><a name="id2971572"></a>Migration Options</h2></div></div><div></div></div><p>
Sites that wish to migrate from MS Windows NT4 Domain Control to a Samba-based solution
generally fit into three basic categories. <a href="NT4Migration.html#majtypes" title="Table 31.1. The Three Major Site Types">Following table</a> shows the possibilities.
</p><div class="table"><a name="majtypes"></a><p class="title"><b>Table 31.1. The Three Major Site Types</b></p><table summary="The Three Major Site Types" border="1"><colgroup><col align="left"><col align="justify"></colgroup><thead><tr><th align="left">Number of Users</th><th align="justify">Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="left">< 50</td><td align="justify"><p>Want simple conversion with no pain.</p></td></tr><tr><td align="left">50 - 250</td><td align="justify"><p>Want new features, can manage some in-house complexity.</p></td></tr><tr><td align="left">> 250</td><td align="justify"><p>Solution/Implementation must scale well, complex needs. Cross-departmental decision process. Local expertise in most areas.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="sect2" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h3 class="title"><a name="id2971679"></a>Planning for Success</h3></div></div><div></div></div><p>
There are three basic choices for sites that intend to migrate from MS Windows NT4
to Samba-3:
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>
Simple conversion (total replacement).
</p></li><li><p>
Upgraded conversion (could be one of integration).
</p></li><li><p>
Complete redesign (completely new solution).
</p></li></ul></div><p>
Minimize down-stream problems by:
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>
Taking sufficient time.
</p></li><li><p>
Avoiding Panic.
</p></li><li><p>
Testing all assumptions.
</p></li><li><p>
Testing the full roll-out program, including workstation deployment.
</p></li></ul></div><p><a href="NT4Migration.html#natconchoices" title="Table 31.2. Nature of the Conversion Choices">Following table</a> lists the conversion choices given the type of migration
being contemplated.
</p><div class="table"><a name="natconchoices"></a><p class="title"><b>Table 31.2. Nature of the Conversion Choices</b></p><table summary="Nature of the Conversion Choices" border="1"><colgroup><col align="justify"><col align="justify"><col align="justify"></colgroup><thead><tr><th align="justify">Simple</th><th align="justify">Upgraded</th><th align="justify">Redesign</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="justify"><p>Make use of minimal OS specific features.</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Translate NT4 features to new host OS features.</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Decide:</p></td></tr><tr><td align="justify"><p>Move all accounts from NT4 into Samba-3</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Copy and improve</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Authentication regime (database location and access)</p></td></tr><tr><td align="justify"><p>Make least number of operational changes</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Make progressive improvements</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Desktop management methods</p></td></tr><tr><td align="justify"><p>Take least amount of time to migrate</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Minimize user impact</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Better control of Desktops/Users</p></td></tr><tr><td align="justify"><p>Live versus isolated conversion</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Maximize functionality</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Identify Needs for: <span class="emphasis"><em>Manageability, Scalability, Security, Availability</em></span></p></td></tr><tr><td align="justify"><p>Integrate Samba-3 then migrate while users are active, then change of control (swap out)</p></td><td align="justify"><p>Take advantage of lower maintenance opportunity</p></td><td align="justify"><p></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div class="sect2" lang="en"><div class="titlepage"><div><div><h3 class="title"><a name="id2971965"></a>Samba-3 Implementation Choices</h3></div></div><div></div></div><div class="variablelist"><dl><dt><span class="term">Authentication Database/Backend</span></dt><dd><p>
Samba-3 can use an external authentication backend:
</p><p>
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>Winbind (external Samba or NT4/200x server).</p></li><li><p>External server could use Active Directory or NT4 Domain.</p></li><li><p>Can use pam_mkhomedir.so to auto-create home dirs.</p></li><li><p>
Samba-3 can use a local authentication backend: <i class="parameter"><tt>smbpasswd, tdbsam, ldapsam, mysqlsam</tt></i></p></li></ul></div><p>
</p></dd><dt><span class="term">Access Control Points</span></dt><dd><p>
Samba permits Access Control Points to be set:
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>On the share itself using Share ACLs.</p></li><li><p>On the file system using UNIX permissions on files and directories.</p><p>Note: Can enable Posix ACLs in file system also.</p></li><li><p>Through Samba share parameters not recommended except as last resort.</p></li></ul></div></dd><dt><span class="term">Policies (migrate or create new ones)</span></dt><dd><p>
Exercise great caution when affecting registry changes, use the right tool and be aware
that changes made through NT4-style <tt class="filename">NTConfig.POL</tt> files can leave
permanent changes.
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>Using Group Policy Editor (NT4).</p></li><li><p>Watch out for Tattoo effect.</p></li></ul></div></dd><dt><span class="term">User and Group Profiles</span></dt><dd><p>
Platform-specific so use platform tool to change from a Local to a Roaming profile.
Can use new profiles tool to change SIDs (<tt class="filename">NTUser.DAT</tt>).
</p></dd><dt><span class="term">Logon Scripts</span></dt><dd><p>
Know how they work.
</p></dd><dt><span class="term">User and Group Mapping to UNIX/Linux</span></dt><dd><p>
<a class="indexterm" name="id2972178"></a>
User and Group mapping code is new. Many problems have been experienced as network administrators
who are familiar with Samba-2.2.x migrate to Samba-3. Carefully study the chapters that document
the new password backend behavior and the new group mapping functionality.
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>The <i class="parameter"><tt>username map</tt></i> facility may be needed.</p></li><li><p>Use <b class="command">net groupmap</b> to connect NT4 groups to UNIX groups.</p></li><li><p>Use <b class="command">pdbedit</b> to set/change user configuration.</p><p>
When migrating to LDAP backend, it may be easier to dump the initial
LDAP database to LDIF, edit, then reload into LDAP.
</p></li></ul></div></dd><dt><span class="term">OS Specific Scripts/Programs may be Needed</span></dt><dd><p>
Every operating system has its peculiarities. These are the result of engineering decisions
that were based on the experience of the designer, and may have side-effects that were not
anticipated. Limitations that may bite the Windows network administrator include:
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>Add/Delete Users: Note OS limits on size of name
(Linux 8 chars) NT4 up to 254 chars.</p></li><li><p>Add/Delete Machines: Applied only to Domain Members
(Note: machine names may be limited to 16 characters).</p></li><li><p>Use <b class="command">net groupmap</b> to connect NT4 groups to UNIX groups.</p></li><li><p>Add/Delete Groups: Note OS limits on size and nature.
Linux limit is 16 char, no spaces and no upper case chars (<b class="command">groupadd</b>).</p></li></ul></div></dd><dt><span class="term">Migration Tools</span></dt><dd><p>
<a class="indexterm" name="id2972326"></a>
Domain Control (NT4 Style) Profiles, Policies, Access Controls, Security
</p><div class="itemizedlist"><ul type="disc"><li><p>Samba: <b class="command">net, rpcclient, smbpasswd, pdbedit, profiles.</b></p></li><li><p>Windows: <b class="command">NT4 Domain User Manager, Server Manager (NEXUS)</b></p></li></ul></div><p>
</p></dd></dl></div></div></div></div><div class="navfooter"><hr><table width="100%" summary="Navigation footer"><tr><td width="40%" align="left"><a accesskey="p" href="upgrading-to-3.0.html">Prev</a> </td><td width="20%" align="center"><a accesskey="u" href="migration.html">Up</a></td><td width="40%" align="right"> <a accesskey="n" href="SWAT.html">Next</a></td></tr><tr><td width="40%" align="left" valign="top">Chapter 30. Upgrading from Samba-2.x to Samba-3.0.0 </td><td width="20%" align="center"><a accesskey="h" href="index.html">Home</a></td><td width="40%" align="right" valign="top"> Chapter 32. SWAT The Samba Web Administration Tool</td></tr></table></div></body></html>