First 2003 DC into an AD

[NickFerrar]

Our current AD is in mixed-mode due to one NT DC still being present, all other DC's are Win2k.

I want to add a new DC and would prefer to build it as Win2k3 so I don't have to upgrade it again in a few months.

I have a couple of questions:

1). Can you install a Win2k3 DC into mixed-mode Win2k AD without running forest prep etc.? Right now we don't need the extra functionality of Win2k3 AD and don't have time to do all the planning and then forestprep/domainprep.

2). If you do have to run forestprep/domainprep in order to have a Win2k3 DC in your AD can you run these whilst still in mixed-mode or do you need to go native mode before running the prep's?

 

[markdmac]

You will need to run the domain prep to make your 203 server a DC. If you try to run DCPROMO it will tell you that it needs to be run.

You can do it in mixed mode.

I hope you find this post helpful. Please let me know if it was.

Regards,

Mark

 

[mlichstein]

You need to run adprep /forestprep first, then /domainprep

Forestprep needs to be run on your schema master. Make sure the changes replicate to all other 2000 DCs before continuing. Then run domainprep on your infrastructure master. Again, wait for replication.