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Update Path of FFL/DFL from 2003 to later versions.

Garima Das 1,041 Reputation points
2024-05-07T11:07:50.1433333+00:00

Hi All,

I have a domain with FFL 2003 and DFL 2008. There are other forests in the environment with FFL 2008 and 2008R2 and DFL 2008 and 2008R2 respectively.

I want to update the FFL from 2003 to higher.

What should be the upgrade path of FFL/DFL from 2003 to above? Also, till which version can the FFL be initially updated?

Several applications might have a dependency on the FFL/DFL of the environment. How do we find what applications might get affected with this upgrade? Is there any tool or any way to determine the application dependency on the DFL and FFL?

Thanks.

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  1. Daisy Zhou 19,271 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-05-07T13:17:47.2733333+00:00

    Hello Garima Das,

    Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

    What should be the upgrade path of FFL/DFL from 2003 to above?

    A: Do you want to know how to upgrade the FFL/DFL? If so, the domain function level can only be upgraded on the PDC simulation simulator operation host; Forest functional levels can only be upgraded on schema operations hosts.

    You can upgrade FFL and DFL via Commands or GUI. For more information, please read links below.

    Raise the Domain Functional Level
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc753104(v=ws.11)

    Raise the Forest Functional Level

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc730985(v=ws.11)

    Also, till which version can the FFL be initially updated?

    A: Ensure that all domain functional levels are equal to or higher than the forest functional level.

    Ensure that all domain controller operating systems are at or above the domain functional level.

    Several applications might have a dependency on the FFL/DFL of the environment. How do we find what applications might get affected with this upgrade?
    A: Based on my experience, I know Exchange is dependent on the FFL/DFL of the environment.

    For more information, please read here.
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/plan-and-deploy/supportability-matrix?view=exchserver-2019

    For other applications, if the applications are from Microsoft, you can ask your question on this forum if these apps are impacted by the FFL/DFL of the environment. You can add the tag based on your applications /production when ask the question.

    If the applications are from third part (from non-Microsoft), I suggest you can try to ask the engineers from the corresponding forum of the production/apps.

    Is there any tool or any way to determine the application dependency on the DFL and FFL?
    A: Based on my experience, I do not know any tool to determine the application dependency on the DFL and FFL.

    Here is a similar thread for your reference.
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/347363/raising-dfl-and-ffl-from-2012r2-to-highest-functio

    Note:

    Before you upgrade the FFL and DFL, please check or do:

    1.Check that all domain controllers are working properly.
    2.Check AD replication status.
    3.Please check SYSVOL replication status.
    4.Back up all domain controllers.

    I hope the information above is helpful.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

    Best Regards,

    Daisy Zhou

    ============================================

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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