Domain Controllers

[rotomme]

I currently have two domain controllers on my domain but they aren't configured that great and one of the servers has Exchange 07 installed on it as well. I have two new servers that I want to make domain controllers. I guess my question is do I build them out join them to the domain and let them replicate? How do I share rolls btwn the two? Is there an article to help you build out domain controllers?

Thank you,
Tommy

 

[Davetoo]

Essentially yes...build the new servers up, patch them, then join the domain and DCPROMO them. Let them sit for a day or two to fully replicate, then begin transferring your FSMO roles around.

You can read about FSMO here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324801

You're going to have a problem with that DC that's an Exchange server as well though if you try to remove it as a DC.

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[acl03]

Configuring a new server as a DC is very simple.

All you need to do is run DCPROMO and let it replicate.

Which roles are you trying to "share"? If you mean FSMO roles, each of the 5 is held solely by 1 server, and cannot be shared.

How many sites do you have?

Just try and give us some more information about exactly what you'd like the end result to be.



Thanks,
Andrew

 

[tmckeown]

Normally, it's thought best to have your exchange server NOT be a domain controller. We made ours a domain controller way back when and have not had any trouble as long as the server has enough memory to handle Exchange and domain tasks. If you do want to move your mail to the new server, do this: Build the new server completely and make it a domain computer or controller, whichevr you want. Next, install Exchange, make sure to use a new name for this exchange server. Once you have the two Exchange servers on the same domain, you can go into the Exchange tasks in AD and move the mailboxes to the new server. Once that's complete, you'll have to do a few other cleanup tasks before removing the old mail server. I can't remember the exact steps, it's been a few years, but there are a few settings in system manager you need to change to point to the new exchange server. I'm sure MS has an article on it. I couldn't have figured it out on my own... ha ha

 

[markdmac]

I would advise that you make your Exchange server be JUST an Exchange server. To do that I would advise the following upgrade path.

Install OS on the two new servers. Ru DCPROMO on just one of them. Transfer the FSMO roles to your new DC.

On the second new server install Exchange. Use Move Mailbox wizard to move mailboxes. Replicate public folders and set the new server as the primary source for the folders.

On the old Exchange box, uninstall Exchange. Run DCPROMO to remove AD from that server. Reinstall Exchange. Use Move Mailbox wizard to move mailboxes back. Replicate public folders and set the Exchange server as the primary source for the folders.

Remove Exchange from the new server. Run DCPROMO to make that server a DC as desired.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

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