What is the first step when migrating a DHCP server to a new server?

The first step when migrating a DHCP server to a new server involves ensuring that there is no conflict or disruption in the operations of the DHCP services during the transition. Stopping the DHCP service on both the source and destination servers prevents both servers from responding to DHCP requests on the same network concurrently. This is crucial because if both servers were active, it could lead to issues such as IP address conflicts and inconsistent lease management.

By stopping the service, you create a controlled environment where you can safely export the existing DHCP settings from the source server and prepare the destination server for the incoming configurations. This step ensures that clients will only receive IP addresses from one active DHCP server at a time, facilitating a smooth transition without disrupting network connectivity for users.

Subsequent steps would involve exporting the configurations and starting the DHCP service on the destination server, but addressing the operational safety of the migration by stopping the services is essential to prevent service interruptions.