Windows 2003 Migration to windows 2008

[SMSGURU]

We are currently testing windows 2008 for our company. I am looking to import some of my production Group Policies from my Windows 2003 domain to my Windows 2008 Test Domain that is off line. I have tried a backup and restore wich has worked for me in the past and it doest work. Any one have any ideas how to do this. What happens when you upgrade do you normal do an in place upgrade. What have some of you done for side by side upgrades.

[Mike.Stephens]

GPO Backups performed with GPMC 1.x (XP/2003) do not work with GPMC 6.x (Vista SP1 or later). To get this working, perform a GPMC backup using GPMC from a Vista SP1 (RSAT) or Server 2008 member computer connected to your Windows 2003 domain. You should then be able to import these backups into your Windows 2008 test domain. A list of "things to consider" can be found at
Deploying Group Policy Using Windows Vista

"Backups saved with the GPMC for Windows Vista are not compatible with the GPMC for earlier versions of Windows. In addition, the GMPC for earlier versions of Windows does not back up all of the Windows Vista Group Policy settings included in a GPO. For best results, use the Windows Vista GPMC to back up and restore all GPOs."