Windows 2003 GC with 2000 DC

[webcortech]

I have an NT 4.0 domain upgrade, went great and exchange 5.5 to 2003... all migrated well. I have my BDC, which is now the 2003 GC... I had a 2000 member server and DCpromo it to the 2003 domain.(now a DC) Everything is still in mixed mode, but the GC went offline and the 2000 DC did not kick in... it has all the roles for FMSO, etc, but it's not working. Did I forget to extend the Schema to this server? DNS is working fine, so it's not that... but I can't figure out why this 2000 server did not kick when the GC went offline. Everything went to hell and handbag, exchange offline, no login, etc. (as you would expect..)

any tips??? it's very odd, or I missed something.

thanks

 

[aftertaf]

tell us the order of the upgrade ,and what steps you used eg domainprep/forestprep/ADMT/domain-forest mode changes....


Aftertaf
__________________
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[webcortech]

install nt 4.0 BDC
Dropped the PDC
Promoted the BDC to PDC
Installed 2003 on top of PDC
Domain came up fine, authentication good.
Installed ADC connector.
Exchange 5.5 running fine on 2003 AD
A 2000 member server of the domain dcpromo
FSMO roles, 2003 as GC, 2000 dc backup roles

GC went offline, no DC's present, even though 2k DC is online.

DNS seems to be fine. DNS primary is 2003 DC, secondary on 2003 memember server. Only concern is that DNS seconday should be on 2k DC?

 

[aftertaf]

ok.
Can you make your 2000 DC a GC?
and DNS is enabled for secure dynamic updates?


you might end up having to upgradze your 2000DC to 2003 here...
ever google result points to adding a 2003 to a 2000 domain, helpful but not in this case ...

Aftertaf
__________________
squiggle squiggle

 

[webcortech]

Yeah, that was my next move. I just find it odd that a 2000 DC can not actively take over if the GC went offline. I am going to add a 2003 DC and have it be the backup FSMO.... I was wondering if anyone else has seen this.

Thanks!

tc

 

[webcortech]

I am going to add 2003 DC to the domain and have it be the backup FSMO.... I just find it strange that a 2000 DC that was DCPromo'd can't take over the GC operations after a GC goes offline....

 

[wdoellefeld]

I am going to add 2003 DC to the domain and have it be the backup FSMO.... I just find it strange that a 2000 DC that was DCPromo'd can't take over the GC operations after a GC goes offline....

Just a couple points, no offense intended.

There is no such thing as having a backup FSMO. Flexible SINGLE Master Operation role holer. The only backup would be another DC so you can sieze the roles if the the FSMO holder is not coming back online.

DCs don't automatically make themselves GCs. You have to give it that function.



FRCP

http://www.frcp.net

 

[webcortech]

Just as you posted that, I totally blanked on why the DC was not acting as a GC and found my issue.... Sites and Services, make sure the server is configured for GC (check mark the box)

of course, this is a small site, traffic from the two GC's should be fine.

Thanks

tc