MT,
Generally speaking I would suggest that you could demote all of their Domain
Controllers ( there is no more concept of 'PDC' or 'BDC' in WIN2000 - those
are WINNT terms ) through the dcpromo process ( just make sure to check the
'this is the last dc in this domain' when you dcpromo the last one ) and
then anytime later dcpromo those Servers back to DCs, joining them to the
remaining domain or creating a child domain to the remaining existing
domain. You just need to be completely aware of this procedure and what it
means ( that the domain to which the DCs you just dcpromo'd belong is no
longer in existence - that means that all user account objects are gone, all
computer account objects are gone, Exchange in that domain is gone, etc.
etc. etc. ).
I would question why you would want to create a child domain. This is not
really necessary in WIN2000 anymore ( unless, of course, that there is a
really good reason - such as a different password policy is needed ). You
can make use of Active Directory Sites and Services if you want to have only
one domain that is spread across geographic areas. I might suggest that you
would set up a Site-to-Site VPN ( aka Firewall-to-Firewall VPN ) between the
Sites.
What you might consider doing is using ADMT v2 to 'migrate' the users,
computers and groups from the purchased company to your company. There is a
ton of information on this tool and how to set it up and how to use it.
So, to answer your question: generally speaking, yes you can. Just be aware
of what that means! You have not really provided any information to the
specific situation and what you are trying to accomplish.
HTH,
Cary
