Server Migration: Everything You Need to Know | Comprehensive Guide 2022

Applies To: Migrating server content in Windows Server 2022/2019/2016/2012/2012 R2/2008/2008 R2/2003, and more.

This page covers everything you need to know about server migration and shows you the steps for performing a complete transfer between server computers.

What is server migration? Server migration refers to the process of moving an application, data, operating system, network configurations, and other components from one physical or virtual environment to another. This typically occurs when upgrading hardware, changing service providers, optimizing performance, consolidating data centers, or implementing cloud strategies. The goal of server migration is to ensure business continuity while minimizing downtime and the risk of data loss. During the migration process, various factors need to be considered, such as compatibility, security, data integrity, and post-migration testing to ensure the proper functioning of the server in its new environment. Migration methods can include manual migration, using specialized migration tools, cloning, hot migration (migrating without downtime), and cold migration (migrating while the server is shut down).

Server migration refers to the process of using tools or advanced server migration software to move data, software, and even user accounts from one server to another.

So when, and why, should you migrate to a new server? Here are some reasons why you might:

• The server computer is old and runs slowly.
• The server doesn't have enough space to store data and applications.
• The server is too outdated, requiring an upgrade of server data to new equipment.
• To protect company data from server failures or the effects of outdated server machinery.
• To speed up the server computer and optimize the loading performance of the company's website.

One effective way to address this issue is to free up disk space on the Windows server. However, this is only a temporary solution. To permanently resolve such issues, server migration can be employed.

What is the Windows Server Migration Tools?

What tools can you use to perform a server migration? In addition to the Windows Server Migration Tools, which are included in Server Manager, server administrators have many options for moving data, files, and even applications between two Windows Server computers.

Here are some tools you can use to transfer data from one Windows server to another:

• Windows Server Migration Tools in Server Manager
• Windows Server Migration Software - Todo PCTrans Technician Tool
• Migrating Server Data with Cloud Drives
• Transferring Data via USB or External Storage Devices

How long does it take to migrate a server?

According to seasoned Windows Server experts, the duration of a server migration can vary widely depending on several factors. Here's a list of some key elements that might influence the speed of your server data migration:

• Data size • Network speed • File type - Files and images transfer faster than videos and audio • USB port type on the external storage device, with USB 4.0 and USB 3.0 being much faster than USB 2.0 • Available space on the target drive - the more free space, the faster the server migration • File transfer speeds may vary for cloud drives.

Assuming all else is equal, how long does it take each server migration tool to move files, applications, and so on to the new server machine?

Here's a comparison table of the four recommended migration methods to help you understand which method is the fastest for server data migration:

So when to use which of the four server migration tools, and how? Well, for starters, check out the tutorials below, and you'll be able to successfully transfer files and content between servers.

How to Migrate a Server and Transfer Files/Data, Applications

To help you understand and master the recommended file transfer methods, we've put together a comprehensive guide listing the options from simplest to most complex.

Subscribe now to find the server migration tool that's right for you:

#1. Migrating data between servers using external storage devices

• Hardware: A large USB device or external hard drive with sufficient capacity, and two server computers
• Tools: Windows Copy and Paste function
• Data to transfer: Files and folders stored on the server computers, database contents, and so on

How to move:

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

Step 2: Copy and paste the files and folders you want to move to the new server to the external storage device.

Step 3: After the backup is complete, unplug the external storage device and connect it to the new server.

Step 4: Copy and paste the files and folders to their respective destinations on the new server.

Transfer data via USB or external hard drive

#2. Migrate files, applications, user accounts, and settings to the new server using server migration software.

• Hardware: Two server computers connected within the same local network
• Tools: Server migration software - Todo PCTrans Technician tool
• Transfer Content: Files, folders, applications, server user accounts, and settings

PCTrans Technician is a reliable and trustworthy tool that assists server users in migrating almost everything to a new server computer. By downloading, installing, and applying this utility, you can effortlessly transfer your old server data to a new machine.

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Step 1: Move the data to the new server

Step 1. Open the Todo PCTrans tool on both source and target computers. Choose PC to PC to proceed.

Step 2: Choose the transfer direction – new or old computer.

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

"Old" - Transfer files from the current old server to the new one.

Step 3: On the target computer, sign in with your account and password or verification code to connect the two computers. You can enable "Connection Verification" on the main "Computer-to-Computer" screen of the target computer.

Step 4. Click on File > Transfer and select all the files you want to move to another server computer. Then click Transfer to migrate the specific data.

Step 5: Wait for the process to complete. PCTrans will transfer your files quickly. This shouldn't take too long.

Migrate an application, software to another server

Step 1: Run Todo PCTrans on Both Computers

On the source computer, click PC to PC on the Todo PCTrans main screen, and proceed.

Select the “PC to PC Transfer” mode

Step 2: Choose the transfer direction - From old computer or to new computer

"New" - Transfer all data from an old computer to the current new one remotely.

"Old" - Transfer all data from your current old device to the new computer.

Select transfer direction:

Step 3: Connect the two computers

1. Select the target PC to connect to either by IP address or device name, then click "Connect."

2. Type the login password for the target computer, then click OK to confirm.

If your target computer is not listed, you can click Add Computer and manually connect to it by entering its IP address or device name.

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

1. You can choose and pick what to transfer from your current computer to the target computer.

2. After selecting the apps and data you want to transfer, click on “Transfer” to start the process.

You may also want to learn about:

How to Transfer User Account to a New PC

This tutorial offers a step-by-step guide on how to easily transfer a password-protected user account to a new computer in Windows 10/8/7.

#3. Transfer server content to the new server using Cloud Drive

• Hardware: Two server computers, a cloud storage account
• Tools: OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, pCloud, etc.
• Content to transfer: Files, folders, and desktop contents from the server computers

How to Transfer Files from a Server:

Step 1: Launch the cloud storage application on your server computer, or access the cloud storage website through a web browser.

Step 2. Sign in with your Cloud Drive account and password.

Step 3: Click "Add" or "Upload" and select the file or document from your computer that you want to upload.

Step 4: Once it's done, start the Cloud Drive app on your new server computer, log in, and choose the files you want to download to the new server.

#4. Export server data using the Windows Server Migration Tools and import it onto the new server

• Hardware: Two server computers and an external USB drive with sufficient available space • Tools: Windows Server Migration Tools • Content to transfer: Files, folders, and desktop contents from the server computer

The Windows Server Migration Tools are utilities built into Windows Server Manager that advanced server administrators use to move files between servers.

How to use the Windows Server Migration Tools for server file transfer:

Step 1: Enable the 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 the Windows Server Migration Tools check box, and then click Next > Install to continue.

Create a deployment folder on the target server computer:

Open PowerShell, and enter each of the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each one.

1. Navigate to the %Windir%\System32\ServerMigrationTools directory 2. Run the SmigDeploy.exe command with the parameters: /package /architecture X64 /os WS08 /path

Create the deployment folder

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

• Copy the Deployment folder to the local disk of the source computer. • Open a command prompt, type .\Smigdeploy.exe, and then press Enter.

Step 4. Migrate server data from the source server to the target server

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

This will help to export the file from the source server computer.

On the target server, launch the Server Migration Tool by opening Server Manager > Tools > Windows Server > Migration Tools. In PowerShell, type Import-SmigServerSetting –UserEnabled –Group-Path C:\SysAdminExport\MigUsersGroups -Verbose, and then press Enter.

This command imports the server data that was exported from the original server into the new server computer.

All you have to do is wait for that process to run its course.

Server migration can be easy, and with the right solution, you can become an expert.

This page explains what server migration is and lists four standard server migration tools applicable to users of any server level for data transfer from one server to another.

• Simplicity at its best, don't miss out on the option to perform a Windows copy and paste via an external storage device.
• For a comprehensive solution to migrate everything to your new server computer, you can always rely on Todo PCTrans Technician tool.

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For experienced Server users, the Windows Server Migration Tools are an economical choice for migrating Server files.