Domain Consolidation

[ChrisD]

We have a failing schema master server and this needs to be replaced.
We also have 3 other domains which we want to consolodate into one new
domain.
We have one exchange 2000 server as well.

The problem is what is the best way to replace the failing domain
controller?
Do I create A new forest and domain or do I just add the new DC as a
new domain into the existing forest? What are the limits down the
track?
I want to use the ADMT too to move users / groups off all the other
domains into a new domain, but I really want to start from a clean
slate you might say.
What are the limits for the Exchange Server with Activedirectory
migration?
We have about 80 users spread over 4 domains.

 

[Tim Springston \(MSFT\)]

Hi Chris-

If the current schema master is online, the best idea would be to promote a
new domain controller into that domain and then transfer the schema master
role to it once the DCPROMO (AD installation) is complete.

Once that is done, you can go through a series of demotions of the other
domain's DCs and re-promotions of those DCs into the root domain if your
desire is to 'prune' your forest a bit.

Please repost if I've misunderstood your concern or if you have questions.