Upgrade to 2003 AD only

[zaccaz]

Hi there,

When network first setup, it's a single domain, single forest, single W2K server with everything on it. Later on add more other servers/services like SQL2000, Exch2003, etc.

Now have 2 domain controllers, one on W2K server, one on W2K3 server. I would like to only upgrade the ActiveDirectory to 2003 version but keep using the W2K server as domain controller, if this is possible? If so can you guide me how to do?

Many thanks!

 

[XofCDe3rd]

I dont think this is possible...out of curiousity why don't you wish to upgrade the w2k server -> w2k3 server.
check it out:

http://expertanswercenter.techtarget.com/eac/knowledgebaseAnswer/0,295199,sid63_gci1149167,00.html

because I find it alot more intuitive using w2k3 server and its AD implementation over w2k's one.

 

[zaccaz]

just simply i don't want to forfeit the w2k server lic

 

[58sniper]

Yes, you can upgrade the AD to the 2003 version, even if you're going to keep a 2000 DC on it.

http://www.petri.co.il/windows_2003_adprep.htm

shows how to do it, but if you already have a 2003 DC, this should have already been done.

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

 

[pagy]

To get the all singing all dancing AD enhancements that come with 2003 the domain and forest functional levels need to be at Windows 2003 level. You can only bring the functional levels up to Windows 2003 when you only have 2003 DCs.

 

[zaccaz]

Hi 58sniper,
yep, i already got a 2000DC & 2003DC on the same domain/forest.

Wondering how can I verify if the AD is up to 2003 or not?

Many thanks!

 

[58sniper]

run adprep again. It will tell you if it was successfully updated or not. If it was, it will stop before updating. If not, it'll allow you to finish the update.

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)