Merging Two Domains To One

[MattJpopo]

Is there a "best practice" for merging two domains into one?

I will be bringing these two domain's into one. Domain1.com is a Windows 2000 Acitive Directory Native Mode domain that has exchange 2000. Domain2.com is a small (less than 50 users) Windows NT 4.0 domain that only has file service, no mail. Domain2.com is to be merged into Domain1.com but there is to be a PIX515 firewall between the two.

I've read the Microsoft article on replicating Active Directory through a firewall. And yes I know it makes the firewall full of holes but that was management's choice. I've also downloaded the ADMT program to import the domain2.com users to domain1.com.

Once I move the user's do I then upgrade the NT PDC to a DC in the exisitng domain1.com? Is there a "best practice" for merging two domains into one? Am I missing anything or does anyone have tips on what to look out for and/or avoid?

Thanks for looking over this and offering any tips.

 

[MattWray]

Here is a paper from MS about the Best Practices they suggest,

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...ol/ad/windows2000/deploy/projplan/dommig.asp,

but I myself have not done such a task...

Thanks,

Matt Wray
MCSE, MCSA, MCP, CCNA

http://www.sss-steel.com

 

[MattJpopo]

Thanks so much!