Error while importing option “6.” while moving DHCP database from Windows Server 2008 to another Windows Server 2008/2003 or 2008 R2

 

To move DHCP from one server (2003/2008) to another you can use the following steps

1. At the command prompt type netsh dhcp server export C:\dhcpdata.txt all , and then press ENTER.

Note: You must have local administrator permissions to export/import the data.

Configure the DHCP server service on the server that is running Windows Server 2008

1. Add DHCP Server Role
2. Make sure to Authorize DHCP while installing the Role.

Import the DHCP database

1. Copy the exported DHCP database file to the local hard disk of the Windows Server 2008-based computer.
2. At the command prompt, type netsh dhcp server import c:\dhcpdata.txt all and press ENTER

If might receive the following error

“Error while importing option “6.” “This option conflicts with the existing option “” An Internal Error Occurred.”

It is because by default when you install DHCP Server Role, it puts the following entries in Server Options.

006 DNS Server
015 DNS Domain Name

To fix the Error –> Just delete the above two entries from Server options and Run the Import DHCP database command again.

Move DHCP scope from Windows Sever 2000 to Windows Server 2003 or 2008

Move DHCP from Server 2000 to 2003 or 2008

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325473

Microsoft has detailed step by step KB article on it.. in brief.

• Reduce the lease duration on server 2000 so the clients will renew IP and you will discover issue quicker if there are any.
• Timing is important –> deactivate the scope on old server before you import it on the new one.

Here are the steps

1. Download and install the DHCPExim utility on server 2000, it will not create shortcuts so access it from C:\Program Files\Resource Kit\
2. Open command prompt and stop DHCP Service with the following command
   
   net stop dhcpserver
   
   
3. Open DHCPExim.exe and following the instructions to export any selected scope data to be exported to a txt file. You can chose to disable to the scope immediately.
   
4. Now on your server 2003 copy the txt file on the local drive and run the following command.
   
   netsh dhcp server import filepath\filename.txt all
   
   
   
5. Authorize the new DHCP server

Read the this article for moving DHCP from server 2003 to server 2008

Happy Upgrading!!