Open Software Solutions

Consider the following scenario:

• You export some Internet Authentication Service (IAS) configuration settings from a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 to a file.
• You try to import these settings from the file into a computer that is running Windows Server 2008 and that has Network Policy Server (NPS) installed.

In this scenario, the Import Configuration command in the NPS Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in on the NPS server cannot read the file that was exported from the IAS server.

Because of this, the only way to migrate IAS configuration settings into NPS is to upgrade computers that are running Windows Server 2003 together with IAS. Upgrade them into computers that are running Windows Server 2008 together with NPS.

This problem occurs because the IAS Configuration settings are stored as .mdb files in Windows Server 2003. They are not stored as .xml (NPS) files as they are in Windows Server 2008 and in later versions of Windows Server 2008.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a Hotfix download available section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Note The Hotfix download available form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Important Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 hotfixes are included in the same packages. However, only one of these products may be listed on the “Hotfix Request” page. To request the hotfix package that applies to both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, just select the product that is listed on the page.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Install hotfix 955995 on the computer that is running Windows Server 2008 together with NPS (the NPS server).
2. Copy the iasmigreader.exe file from the following folder:
   • 32-bit version of Windows Server 2008
     %windir% system32
   • 64-bit version of Windows Server 2008
     %windir% syswow64
3. Paste the file in a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 together with IAS (the IAS server).
4. On the IAS server, no sooner than one minute after you change the IAS server configuration, run the iasmigreader.exe file. This creates an Ias.txt file in the %windir% system32 ias folder. If you are running a 64-bit version of Windows Server 2003, the Ias.txt file is created in the %windir% syswow64 ias folder.

   Note The exported Ias.txt file contains all shared secret information from the configuration. Therefore, make sure that the file is stored in a secure location.

5. Copy the Ias.txt file to the NPS server.
6. At the netsh prompt on the NPS server, run the netsh nps import command, and specify the ias.txt file as the parameter. For example, at a command prompt, type the following command:
   netsh nps import <path> ias.txt

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, the NPS role service of the Network Policy and Access Services server role must be installed on the computer that is running Windows Server 2008.

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 file information notes

The .manifest files and the .mum files that are installed in each environment are listed separately in the Additional file information for Windows Server 2008 and for Windows Vista section. These files and their associated .cat (security catalog) files are critical to maintaining the state of the updated component. The .cat files are signed with a Microsoft digital signature. The attributes of these security files are not listed.

For all supported x86-based versions of Windows Server 2008

For all supported x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the Applies to section.

For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Additional file information for Windows Server 2008

Additional files for all supported x86-based versions of Windows Server 2008

Additional files for all supported x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008