Windows 2000 domain controller in NT4 domain

  • Thread starter Thread starter Carl Moran
  • Start date Start date
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Carl Moran

Hi,
Currently I have an NT 4 PDC in the office. I have
been asked to add a new windows 2000 machine as a BDC.
According to the many websites I've read this is
impossible. So I was told to create a second domain using
the windows 2000 box, then migrate the users to this new
domain and then update the nt4 box to windows 2000 to
become a backup. What I want to know is can I go ahead
and create the new domain, active directory etc etc on the
windows 2000 box without completely screwing up my current
domain run by the NT4 box? The windows 2000 box is
connected to the same network. I have tried setting it up
without being connected to the network but it doesn't like
that at all.

Thanks

Carl Moran
(e-mail address removed)

P.S. If this is sounding like an idiot question it is
because I normally don't use windows and am not entirely
sure about how it administers networks etc
 
To promote W2k to dc you must have active network connection or at least
install MS loopback adapter. You can install W2k domain on the same network
as NT4 domain, but you will have to use different NetBios domain name. Have
you considered upgrading your NT4 domain. This way you will keep all your
users accounts.

--
Regards

Matjaz Ladava, MCSE (NT4 & 2000), MVP
(e-mail address removed)
http://ladava.com
 
During w2k AD creation it will allow you to specify a NetBios name of your
domain. It will refuse to install AD, if it will find the same NetBios name
on the network.
The decision of creating a new domain or upgrading the old is mostly based
on the state of the current domain. If you want to have something new and
clean, then you install new domain and migrate objects.I have done this in
both ways and I can tell you, that upgrading is much easier and normally
causes less problems. Doing upgrade is just:
1. Installing new BDC (or using existing one)
2. promoting it to PDC
3. Upgrading a PDC to Windows 2k and upgrading domain
4. Taking care of DNS and other services.

Of course this steps are a bit more complex, but this is the general idea.
If you want more detailed info on how to upgrade your W2k domain, then see
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/planning/incremental/upgradent.asp


--
Regards

Matjaz Ladava, MCSE (NT4 & 2000), MVP
(e-mail address removed)
http://ladava.com
 
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