How to move DHCP database from one server to another server

You use netsh dhcp server command to move DHCP database from one server to another server – for example moving DHCP database from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008.

Please note that you must install DHCP server service on a target server before moving the database.

On a source DHCP server (Windows Server 2003):

1. Open a command prompt
2. Type netsh dhcp server export drive:\dhcp.txt all
3. Copy the file to a network share folder a thumb drive.

On a target DHCP server (Windows Server 2008):

1. Open a command prompt
2. Type netsh dhcp server import drive:\dhcp.txt all
3. Activate the scope if necessary.

That’s it!

Book

• Mastering Windows Server 2003 by Mark Minasi
• Windows Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant by William Stanek