I have a Windows 2000 server with about 100 user accounts. The user accounts are not stored through active directory but rather are local user accounts. I want to move all 100 of these accounts onto a new Windows 2000 server install (new hardware as well). I've tried to do so using NTBackup of the system state but that takes ALL of the registry settings with it. I only want to transfer user accounts (the SAM database) from one box to another. Any suggestions?

This is covered extensively on the web. You add it as a DC to your existing AD forest. If 2003 you need to run adprep from the 2003 cd. Make the new server a GC holder and xfer all the fsmo role. Make it the dns and dhcp server. Restore data and then decommission the old w2k server with dcpromo. Imagine the power if you knew how to internet search

Perhaps you need to read closer, but these user accounts are NOT in active directory. These are local user accounts which is why my question is about the SAM database and not AD. Adding a server to an existing domain deletes all local user accounts which is not what I want. Adding a server to a new domain does transfer local user accounts to AD but when you demote the server (after transferring to a new box) out of a domain, the accounts that were in AD do not return to local accounts so this option is not a possibility either. And DNS / DHCP? That has nothing to do with local SAM accounts. This forum is for technical support and not ridicule. To correct your first sentence, no it is not covered extensively on the web. There are many things on the web about AD user accounts but not as much on local user accounts. Yes, AD is the better method but I am in a situation where that is not possible. Your condescending tone is just not appreciated. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

You are right. I should have read the question better. What some have done is move/clone the hard drive to the new system. Run a repair install and provide the hardware drivers. Redo your service pacs and you are operational. Here is a ms example: http://support.microsoft.com/defaul... Alternatively there is this. Refers to AD but I have read in NT where similar was done. Just a matter of exporting to file all the user accounts. target="_blank">http://www.2000trainers.com/windows... Imagine the power if you knew how to internet search

Thanks for that post. I considered that as well but I am running a hardware raid so cloning or moving the drive doesn't seem like a possibility either. I'm thinking I may just swallow my pride and rebuild from scratch and recreate the user accounts. It's a good way to make sure all is clean. I think if I research this any longer, I could've recreated everything in the same amount of time. I guess it shows to go that AD is the way to go when dealing with user accounts in Windows!

Certainly a good choice when dealing with 100's of accounts. Best of luck. Imagine the power if you knew how to internet search