Adding W2K server to a new WSB Server 2003 Domain 1

[brettban]

I'm purchasing a new server loaded with Windows Small Business Server 2003. I'm going to start from scratch and set-up a brand new domain. However, I would like to add my old W2K server to the new WSB2003 Server domain. What is the best way to do this - can I change the old server's domain to the same name as the new server?

 

[markdmac]

You will need to first move the existing Win2K server to be a member of a workgroup. You can then join it to your new SBS domain.

You can use the Win2K server as a member server or as a DC. If you want it to be a DC, join to the network first then use DCPROMO to amke it a DC.

 

[brettban]

The existing W2K server is set-up with Active Directory and a different domain, how do I make it no longer the root server and become a member server of a new domain. Please forgive my IT ignorance..we're a small company and I'm it as far as IT goes.

 

[markdmac]

Not a problem. You will need to run DCPROMO on the existing server.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307304&Product=win2000

If this is the only server left in the old domain, be sure to check the box that it si the last. You will have to remove Dynamic DNS from the box if it is running on it since that can only exist on a machine with AD.

 

[markdmac]

Once more note for you. When you get the new SBS Server, follow the steps of the Wizard. SBS is HEAVILY reliant on wizards. For example I have found if you do not use the wizard to create a user ID, mailboxes can be inaccessible even though they appear to be created OK. Use the web page

http://server/connectcomputer

to join your workstations to the SBS domain, otherwise expect problems there too.

SBS 2003 is a great product, but for those of us that like the "regular" tools and prefer not to work with wizards it can be a pain. If you like wizards and checklists to get the job done right, SBS 2K3 will be a dream come true for you.

Our experience has been that the Remote Workplace feature is great, however we get better results using a VPN to our server and then using XP Remote Desktop to take over the work desktop. Hope you find this helpful.

Mark