Active Directory Testing

[DZDandCNFUZD]

Good morning,
I am going to begin testing Acitve Directory with Server 2003 and would like to know if I can install and run it on the same network as my NT4 domain with out harming my NT4 enviroment? For testing purposes I am going to be using a new domain name. My main goal is just to get it up and running so I can become firmilar with it. Any help is greatly appriciated.

 

[elmurado]

Can't see any problem with doing that. We've got NT/2003 Mixed here and basically the AD won't 'break' anything on the NT side of things.

NT servers of course can't be 'controlled' through AD/GPO's etc and neither can anything that auth's via the NT servers.
This is a great place to start:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/upgrading/nt4/upgradeassistance/default.mspx

And here's the mixed environment stuff:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows200.../en/advanced/help/domadmin_concepts_intro.htm

You need to setup a trust between the two domains that you'll have. These are different to the old, flat NT trusts.
The domain acts as a boundary but can easily exist on same physical subnet.
I'd suggest setting up a test workstation to join the new domain so that you can see it in action.
Do this through Computer name in system properties on a 2000/Xp machine.

Make the 2003 server a domain controller by running DCpromo.exe. then you can add roles via the Manage your server box that pops up or get command line crazy if you feel up to it.
Have fun!