OK here is the deal. I support 15 offices each with their own (smallish) active directory domain. there is only 1 server at each location.

so now I need to completely replace a server at one location. and I'm trying to figure the best way to do it. Ideally I'd like the new server to be a complete replacement for the old one, i.e. same computer name, ip address etc. If there were more than one domain controller in place it would be easy as pie. I could demote the old server then promote the new server with the same computer name, but alas the company won't spend the money for more than one server at a location.

what would be the best way to accomplish this. I have a couple thoughts but need more input.

the first thought is since there aren't a whole lot of OUs, users, and the like, just to backup the data files from the old server. demote it thus killing the domain, then build it from scratch on the new server. not sure if I want to go this way though cause it could take some time.

the other thought is to take my laptop with virtual pc and boot up a virtual windows 2000 server and promote it as a domain controller. then after replication demote the old server. put the new server in and promote it. after replication demote the virtual server on my laptop.

I've seen some articles about backing up active directory using system state backups and parrellel installations but these methods seem pretty complicated.

anyone have any thoughts?