Adding a Windows server to an existing domain.

[akshatp]

Basically, I am building a server off site for a small business, and then I am going to take it in and add it as a DC.

I guess if I just wait until I get there to make it a DC, I should be okay right? When I install Win2k or Win2k3 server OS, will I need to be attached to the same network that it will be joining?

 

[Ryoga]

You will need to be connected to the network before you even think about running dcpromo, but you should be fine building it off site and then joining and promoting it once you get it installed. If you run dcpromo without having access the the existing domain, you will create a new, different domain with the exact same name.

 

[akshatp]

Right.. Thanks for verifying that for me.

I have never actually added a Win2k3 server to a Win2k domain. Is it the same process?

 

[Ryoga]

You will need to update the Active Directory schema first before you are allowed to add a Win2k3 server as a domain controller. You have to be at v30 for Win2k3 Gold/SP1, and v31 for Win2k3 R2. The tools for updating to v30 are on the Win2k3 CD, and the tools for v31 are on the R2 CD.

Other than that, hook the server up, join it to the domain, and run dcpromo. I just did this myself a month ago.

 

[stash]

You also need to prep the domain. Adprep /forestprep will extend your schema, but you need to also run adprep /domainprep.

 

[akshatp]

Wait. I need to update the AD schema on the current domain? Or on the new AD server?