Server Migration: Everything You Need to Know | 2024 Comprehensive Guide

Applies to: Migrating Server content in Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, 2012 R2, 2008, 2008 R2, 2003, etc.

This page encompasses everything you need to know about Server Migration and guides you through the entire transfer process between server computers.

What Is Server Migration

Server Migration refers to the process of using a tool or advanced server transfer software to move data, software, and even user data from one server to another server.

那么，何时以及为什么需要进行服务器迁移呢？以下是所有可能的原因：

• The server computer becomes old and slow.
• There isn't enough space for the server to store data and applications.
• The server is too old, and you need to migrate the server data to a new one.
• Protect company data from server failures or obsolete server hardware.
• Accelerate the server computer to improve the company website's loading performance.

To address this issue, an efficient method is to free up disk space in Windows Server. However, this only provides a temporary solution. For a permanent fix to these problems, you should employ Server Migration. This guide recommends a comprehensive data migration tool: Todo PCTrans.

What Are the Windows Server Migration Tools

那么，你可以使用哪些工具进行服务器迁移呢？除了内置在Server Manager中的Windows Server Migration Tools之外，服务器管理员还可以使用多种工具和方法在两台Windows Server计算机之间迁移数据、文件甚至应用程序。

Here's a list of tools you can use to transfer data from one Windows Server to another:

• Windows Server Migration Software - Todo PCTrans Technician Tool
• Windows Server Migration Tools in Server Manager
• Server Data Migration via Cloud Drive
• Data Transfer via USB or External Storage Devices

Now, when to use these 4 Server Migration tools and how to utilize them? Firstly, refer to the tutorial guide below, and you'll successfully transfer files and content from one server to another.

How to Perform Server Migration and Transfer Files/Data, Applications

To assist you in thoroughly understanding and mastering the recommended methods for transferring files, we have decided to provide a comprehensive guide and list of approaches, ranging from simple to complex.

Follow and get the most suitable tool for Server Migration now:

#1. Transfer Files, Apps, User Accounts, and Settings to the New Server using Server Migration Software

• Device: Two Server computers with a network connection on the same LAN
• Tools: Server Migration Software - Todo PCTrans Technician edition
• Transfer Content: Files, folders, applications, Server user accounts, and settings.

Todo PCTrans Technician is a reliable and trustworthy tool for aiding Server users in migrating almost all their data to a new Server computer. You can download, install, and utilize this tool to effortlessly transfer your old Server data to a new computer with just a few simple clicks.

#1. Transfer Data to New Server

Step 1. Launch Todo PCTrans on both of your source and target computers. Choose "PC to PC" to proceed.

Step 2. Choose the transfer direction - New PC or Old PC.

"New" - Transfer files from the old Server to the current new Server.

"Old" - Transfer files from the current old Server to a new Server.

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Step 3. Connect the current PC to the target PC by entering the target computer's account password or its verification code. You can turn on the "Connection Verification" on the top right of the "PC to PC" main screen on the target computer.

Step 4. Click "Files" > "Transfer" to select all the files you want to transfer to another Server computer. Then click "Transfer" to migrate the specific data you've chosen.

Step 5. Wait for the process to finish. PCTrans will transfer files at a fast speed, and it won't take too long.

#2. Migrate Apps and Software to Another Server Translate this into English: 迁移到另一服务器上的应用程序和软件

Step 1. Run Todo PCTrans on both PCs

Download the tool Todo PCTrans, and you'll be in the PC-to-PC interface.

Step 2. Select Transfer Direction - Old or New Computer

"This is New PC" - Transfer all data from the remote old computer to the current new computer.

"This is Old PC" - Transfer all data from the current old device to a new computer.

Step 3. Connect two computers

1. Choose your target PC to connect by its IP address or device name, then click "Connect."

2. Enter the login password for your target PC and click "OK" to confirm.

If you don't see the target PC among the listed devices, you can also click "Add PC" to manually connect to it by entering its IP address or device name.

Step 4. Select apps, programs, and software to transfer to the target computer

1. You can select and choose what you want to transfer from the current computer to the target PC.

2. After choosing the desired apps and programs, click "Transfer" to initiate the transfer process.

You Might Also Like to Learn:

How to Transfer User Account to a New PC

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on transferring a User Account, along with its password, to a new computer in Windows 10/8/7 with just a few easy clicks.

#2. Migrate Data Between Servers Using External Storage Devices

• Device: A large USB drive or external hard drive with ample free space, and two Server computers
• Tools: Windows Copy & Paste
• Transfer Content: Files and folders stored on Server computers, Database content, etc.

如何转移：

Step 1. Connect the USB or external hard drive to the source Server.

Step 2. Copy and paste the files and folders that you need to migrate to the new server onto the external storage device.

Step 3. Unplug the external storage drive. Once that's done, connect it to the new Server.

Step 4. Copy and paste the files and folders to the new server's target location.

#3. Transfer Server Content to a New One Using Cloud Drive

• Device: Two Server computers, cloud storage account
• Tools: OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, pCloud, etc.
• Transfer Content: Files, folders, and desktop contents from the Server computers.

How to Transfer Server Files:

Step 1. Launch the cloud drive app on the Server computer or open the cloud website via a browser.

Step 2. Sign in with your cloud drive account and password.

Step 3. Click "Add" or "Upload" to select files or documents from your computer to upload.

Step 4. Once that's done, launch the Cloud Drive app on the new Server computer, log in, and select the files to download to the new Server.

#4. Export Server Data and Import to a New Server using Windows Server Migration Tools  

• Device: Two server computers, an external USB drive with sufficient free space
• Tools: Windows Server Migration Tools
• Transfer Content: Files, folders, and desktop content on the Server computer.

Windows Server Migration Tools is an integrated utility that Microsoft included in Windows Server Manager, which experienced server administrators utilize for migrating files between servers.

How to Utilize Windows Server Migration Tools for Server File Transfer:

Step 1. Enable Windows Server Migration Tools in Server Manager:

Type "Server Manager" and search for it, then click to open it > Click on "Manage" > "Add Roles and Features".

Select "Windows Server Migration Tools" and click "Next" > Click "Install" to proceed.

Translation:

Step 2. Create a deployment folder on the target server computer:

Open "PowerShell", type the following command lines, and enter after each one.

• cd %Windir%\System32\ServerMigrationTools 
• SmigDeploy.exe /package /architecture X64 /os WS08 /path

Step 3. Register the Windows Server Migration Tools on the source Server computer:

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• Copy the deployment folder to a local drive on the source computer.
• Open Command Prompt, type .\Smigdeploy.exe, and press Enter.

Step 4. Migrate Server Data from Server to Server

1. On the source Server, open Windows Server Manager and click to open Windows Server Migration Tools. 2. Open PowerShell and type **Export-SmigServerSetting -User All -Group –Path C:\SysAdmin\ExportMigUsersGroups –Verbose**, then press Enter.

这将有助于从源服务器计算机导出文件。

• On the target Server computer, open Server Migration Tools by navigating to Server Manager > Tools > Windows Server > Migration Tools.
• Open PowerShell and type Import-SmigServerSetting –UserEnabled –Group-Path C:\SysAdminExport\MigUsersGroups -Verbose, then press Enter.

This command will import the exported Server data to the new Server computer.

All you need to do is wait for the process to complete.

How Long Does Server Migration Take

According to seasoned Windows Server experts, the duration of a server migration varies based on numerous factors. Here's a list of the main factors that can influence the speed of server data migration:

• Data amount
• Network speed
• File type - files and pictures are faster than videos, audio
• USB port type of external storage drives - USB 4.0 and USB 3.0 are much faster than USB 2.0
• Free space on the target drive: the more free space left, the faster the server migration speed will be.
• The file transfer speed of Cloud drives may vary.

Assuming all factors remain the same, how long would it take for each Server Migration Tool to transfer files, applications, etc., to a new Server computer?

Here's a comparison table outlining the transition speed for the four recommended methods above, assisting you in determining which one is the fastest for server data migration:

If you require an online guide or wish to know the capabilities of the Server migration software - Todo PCTrans Technician, please click on the chat button to reach out to our support team for assistance.

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Tools Todo PCTrans Enterprise

Bulk computer program transfer, Windows account迁移, domain account transfer, virtual-to-physical machine transfer, local to cloud desktop transfer.

24/7 Technical Chat Support

Server migration is effortless, and you can become an expert with the right solution.

This page describes what Server Migration is and lists four standard Server Migration tools for users at any level to use when transferring data from one server to another.

• For the simplest approach, don't overlook using Windows Copy and Paste via an external storage device.
• For a comprehensive solution to transfer everything to a new Server computer, consider using tools like Todo PCTrans Technician.

For experienced Server users, Windows Server Migration Tools is cost-effective for Server file migration.