How to Backup and Restore DHCP Server 2012 to 2019

What is DHCP server

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, and a DHCP server is a network server that automatically assigns IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. It is an essential component in modern networks as it simplifies the process of configuring network settings for devices and allows for efficient management of IP addresses.

The DHCP server manages a pool of available IP addresses and automatically assigns them to devices requesting network access. Besides IP addresses, the DHCP server can also provide information such as subnet masks, default gateways, DNS server addresses, and other network configuration options to the devices. This dynamic allocation of IP addresses allows for efficient use of available IP address ranges and ensures that no two devices have conflicting IP addresses on the network.

Prerequisite for backup and restore DHCP server 2012 to 2019

Before attempting to move DHCP to new server, it's essential to ensure that certain prerequisites are met to ensure a smooth and successful migration process. Here are two key prerequisites to consider.

How to deploy DHCP server role on Windows server

1. Begin the process by deploying the DHCP Server role via the Server Manager console. Access the Add Roles and Features option under the Manage menu, then select the DHCP Server from the provided list.

2. Alternatively, you can install the DHCP role and related management tools (DHCP MMC console and PowerShell module) using PowerShell. Launch the PowerShell console with Administrator privileges and execute the following command:

Add-WindowsFeature -IncludeManagementTools DHCP

3. To ensure the installation of the DHCP server management console along with the DHCP server role, it is necessary to include the -IncludeManagementTools parameter. By default, when using the Add-WindowsFeature cmdlet, only the DHCP server role is installed without the accompanying console.

4. Proceed to establish the local DHCP security groups, DHCP Administrators, and DHCP Users, using the following command:

Add-DhcpServerSecurityGroup

5. After creating the local security groups, activate the DHCP security settings associated with them by restarting the DHCP Server service:

Restart-Service DHCPServer

How to authorize DHCP server in Active Directory

Afterward, it is essential to grant authorization to the newly deployed DHCP server within the Active Directory domain. Authorization in Active Directory is performed under an account with Enterprise Admins permissions and is needed to prevent rogue DHCP servers from working on the network.

1. To view the roster of authorized DHCP servers within the Active Directory domain, utilize the subsequent command:

Get-DhcpServerInDC

2. To authorize the recently deployed DHCP server within the Active Directory domain, execute the ensuing PowerShell command:

Add-DhcpServerInDC host1.contoso.com 192.168.10.35

3. If the intention is to commence a DHCP server without obtaining authorization in Active Directory, the DisableRogueDetection registry parameter must be modified with the ensuing PowerShell command:

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DHCPServer\Parameters" -Name DisableRogueDetection -Value 1 -Force

Note: Despite having completed the post-installation configuration, you might encounter a persistent alert message in the Server Manager console, indicating further action is necessary. Even after a server reboot, the alert may persist and not disappear.

4. To eliminate this warning message and inform Server Manager that the post-install DHCP configuration is finished, employ the subsequent PowerShell command to signify the completion of the actual DHCP server role setup.

Set-ItemProperty –Path registry::HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\ServerManager\Roles\12 –Name ConfigurationState –Value 2

5. Finally, you need to restart the DHCP service:

Restart-Service -Name DHCPServer -Force

How to migrate DHCP server from 2012 to 2019

Windows Server 2012 introduced specific PowerShell cmdlets that facilitate the import and export of DHCP server settings. Microsoft has streamlined the process to migrate DHCP from 2012 to 2019 Powershell easily: Export-DhcpServer and Import-DhcpServer, which can be executed remotely. All these commands can be performed on a single machine, the one to which the DHCP service is migrating, making the procedure straightforward and efficient.

1. Begin by creating a new folder named C:\DHCP using the PowerShell command New-Item C:\DHCP -type directory. Then, proceed to export the configuration of the old DHCP server to an XML file named OldDHCPConf.xml using the following command:

Export-DhcpServer -ComputerName "oldDhcp.contoso.com" -Leases -File "C:\DHCP\OldDHCPConf.xml" –Verbose

2. With the previous export completed, you can now conduct a full import of the DHCP configuration on the new server.

Import-DhcpServer -Leases –File "C:\DHCP\OldDHCPConf.xml" -BackupPath "C:\DHCP\Backup" –Verbose

3. Finally, with the import procedure executed, everything is set up. Launch the DHCP console to verify that all DHCP scopes, reservations, and IP leases are correctly in place.

✍ Tips after the migration is completed
1. Ensure to reconfigure the DHCP Relay (IP Helper) agents on the routing network devices, updating them to utilize the IP address of the newly implemented DHCP server.
2. If you encounter an error "Get-DhcpServerVersion: Failed to get the version of the DHCP server DC3" while running the command Import-DhcpServer -Leases –File…, double-check that you are running the PowerShell console as an Administrator. Additionally, verify if your account belongs to the local DHCP Administrators group.

One easier way for Windows server system backup and restore

While migrating and restoring DHCP servers is a critical aspect of network management, Windows System Backup encompasses the entire server environment, ensuring the preservation and recovery of not only DHCP configurations but also the operating system. This is where AOMEI Cyber Backup and AOMEI Backupper come into play as easier and more comprehensive solutions.

Way 1. AOMEI Cyber Backup to backup and restore Windows server system

AOMEI Cyber Backup streamlines the backup process with a user-friendly interface. You can create system backups of your entire Windows server system effortlessly.

♢Centralized Backup Functions: Besides physical machine backup, it also supports VM backup and SQL database backup.
♢Automated Execution: You can schedule an automatic backup task to back up your Windows system for settled periods.
♢Multiple Storage Destinations: Easily backup to local or network destinations according to your need.
♢Restore Entire System: Restore instant entire system from any selected restore points to an original or new location.

You can click the following button to download the freeware version to experience its functionality.

* Both free and paid version of AOMEI Cyber Backup support Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/11,10,8,7.

1. Download and install AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent on your computer at first.

2. After installation, access to Source Device >> Windows. It will automatically appear if the device is compatible and online. Otherwise, you need add Windows device by clicking + Add Windows Device to enter your Device Information and User Information.

3. Click Backup Task >> + Create New Task >> System Backup.

4. Choose the storage destination (Add a new local storage / Add a new network storage) according to your need.

5. On Schedule window, you can set up different backup strategies based on full, incremental or differential backup. It also offers daily, weekly, monthly, and monthly for backup period. You can combine these features to create a flexible backup task according to your need.

6. Click Start Backup to perform the operation, you can select Add the schedule and start backup now, or Add the schedule only.

7. Click … right on the task and select Restore to configure the basic information. Once you've finalized the settings, click Start Restore.

• Cross-Server Restore: For Free Trial version, you can easily Restore to a new location without the need for manual export and import.

Way 2. AOMEI Backupper to backup Windows server system for security

Choosing reliable and professional third-party backup software such as AOMEI Backupper Server is a wise choice. This software simplifies the system backup procedure, reducing it to a handful of straightforward steps that conserve your precious time.

To try AOMEI Backupper Server, click the following button to install and launch it.

Step 1. On the left tab page, select Backup and then select System Backup.

Step 2. The system and boot-related partitions are automatically displayed for your review.

Step 3. You only need to choose a location where you want to save the image files.

Note: You have the flexibility to back up your system to various locations, including local paths, shared drives, NAS devices, and more.

Step 4. You can create a scheduled system image backup by clicking Schedule Backup. Here you can create schedules.

Step 5. Click Start Backup button and wait for the process to complete.

Conclusion

Upgrading your DHCP server from Windows Server 2012 to 2019 is crucial to ensure your network remains efficient, secure, and up-to-date. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can smoothly backup and restore DHCP server 2012 to 2019, avoiding any disruptions to your network operations.

Additionally, data security is a paramount concern in today's digital landscape. As cyber threats continue to evolve, implementing robust data security measures becomes imperative. Please remember always to take Windows server backup and verify the migration results to guarantee a successful transition.