2003 server added to NT4.0 domain

[icartmanxx]

I am running an NT4.0 domain and am in the process of planning a migration to Windows 2003 server and AD. I have one dept that is screaming they need a server upgrade for some software they are currently running. The current version of their software runs on an NT4.0 BDC on our network. The new software requires 2003 server and I have the new server here.

My question is can I add this 2003 server to my existing NT4.0 domain without causing any issues? Ideally I would like to have this department up and running on the new 2003 server box (in my existing NT4.0 domain) and then upgrade my PDC at head office to 2003 server and AD a few months down the road.

Is this possible?? If so, is there anything special I need to do with the new 2003 box (other then not installing AD)?

Feedback appreciated...

 

[porkchopexpress]

A 2003 server will function in an NT4 domain just fine, join it like any workstation and off you go.

 

[icartmanxx]

One thing I want to check out is will it still be seen as a domain controller? I would like the users existing NT domain account to have permissions on the new box. I need this to work so that I can map a drive from their desktop PC to the new server.

If I can do this without having to manually create accounts on the new server it would be ideal.

Thanks...

 

[porkchopexpress]

The 2003 server will not be seen as a domain controller, but it will be a member of the domain so any NT4 domain user account that you allow access to will be able to use this server just the same as if it was an NT4 member server.

You cannot make a 2003 server a DC without installing Active Directory and you don't want to do that yet.