using 2003 DC's in 200 domain

[Guest]

Hi,
I have a windows 2000 forest with 2 child domains. I am currently replacing
one of the DC'S in the parent domain. Dell have sent me a blade server with
2003 on it instead of 2000. i am wondering what the implications are of using
a 2003 server as a role holding DC in the forest? Can i just dcpromo it in,
or do i have to limit the scope of the 2003 server first, thanks for reading.

connie

 

[Guest]

Hi

The Windows 2003 box will run fine in the Windows 2000 forest, but there are
a couple of steps to perform first.
On the Windows Server 2003 media, you'll find a tool called ADPrep. The
following KB Article explains it's use:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309628/en-us

When the AD Prep process has been run to prepare AD for Windows 2003 DCs,
the Windows Server 2003 machine can be promoted to DC status in the usual
way, using DCPromo.
When the DCPromo process is complete, you can proceed to transfer the FSMO
roles to new machine if you decide you want to.

Also, not sure if you've thought about it... make sure that DCPromo is used
to demote the 'old' server from DC status, just to ensure that it is cleanly
removed from AD.

Hope that helps.
Cheers
Dan

MCSE
MCSA
CNA