Replacing NT4 with AD

[Kenneth Keeley]

Hi,
We are about to convert our NT4 systems over to a new Active Directory
structure and I wanted to know the best way of setting the systems up. We
have our main office (60 workstations) connected via a high speed WAN link
to our secondary office (30 workstations). Should we create a Domain
Controller / DNS / WINS / DHCP / SUS at both sites so that unnecessary
domain traffic can be reduced from the WAN. I would also like it that if one
server was to shut down that the other would do all the work for both sites
while the problem is fixed. We are going to be replacing all our servers and
workstations as part of the project so cross system compatiblity should not
be required.

Step by step instructions would be great.

Thanks
Kenneth

 

[Enkidu]

Hi,
We are about to convert our NT4 systems over to a new Active Directory
structure and I wanted to know the best way of setting the systems up. We
have our main office (60 workstations) connected via a high speed WAN link
to our secondary office (30 workstations). Should we create a Domain
Controller / DNS / WINS / DHCP / SUS at both sites so that unnecessary
domain traffic can be reduced from the WAN. I would also like it that if one
server was to shut down that the other would do all the work for both sites
while the problem is fixed. We are going to be replacing all our servers and
workstations as part of the project so cross system compatiblity should not
be required.

Step by step instructions would be great.

Why not go to the source?

http://windows.microsoft.com/window...ows2000/en/server/help/upgrading_a_domain.htm

Basically, to upgrade in place, choose an existing BDC or the PDC for
upgrade, If you choose the BDC promote it to PDC, then run your
Windows 2000 upgrade on it. Then you have a mixed mode Windows 2000
Active Directory Domain. You can then proceed to upgrade or replace
all the NT4 BDCs.

As for the question about where to site the DCs, I would create two
"sites", one at head office and one at the secondary office. I would
create a DC at the branch office with DNS and DHCP and possibly WINS.
At the head office, I would create two DCs, and because of the
relatively small size of your organisation I would make all DCs into
Global Catalog servers (not essential). If you have enough servers,
create two DCs in the secondary office, and make one in each site the
bridgehead server (probably not essential)

I would create all DCs in a single Domain.

That's what I would do, but others may do it slightly differently. But
I think that covers the highspots.

Cheers,

Cliff

(MVP)