Active Directory problem...repair options

[VinceF]

I have a Windows 2000 Domain that was created incorrectly and has been in service for a couple of years now. It is Native mode.

The domain was created with a single level name and it has created issues for newer clients and servers. DNS was a mess and AD was in very bad shape.

I was able to fix AD and DNS, and apply a patch for the XP machines to be able to use DNS in a single level domain.

I need to get this domain to 2003 with a proper naming scheme.

My plan is to add a 2003 domain controller to the directory, demote the win2k DCs, rename the domain, then put 2 new W2k3 DCs on it.

I need to do this ASAP, we have projects that can't be started unitl this is done.

Any thoughts???

 

[technome]

How many users do you have?

Renaming a domain is not for the faint hearted. There is a 60 page MS document on it. I have not done it but I was talking to an Admin who took 2 days for research and 1 day to implement. It is recommended to pay the price and call MS support.

With a small number of users, I would recommend the new Windows 2003 be built as a new domain, get everything working, tested, then place the workstations online over a weekend, then demote the Window 2000 server, add to the new domain.

 

[VinceF]

I have a ton of info on the renaming and I'm setting up in the lab right now to test out the process.

I'm not really afraid of it, but I would love to hear about different scenarios.

I have been mulling the idea of a completly new domain, but I think there would be too many isssues, I have about 65 users.

 

[technome]

65 users is not too much (generally) to recreate all AD user info manually, but it is work.
For more opinions go to the Minasi site, post under the AD forum; couple of AD MVPs there

http://206.246.253.6/forum/