Can you make a stand in DC?

[Dagk]

Hi,

I have a server with Windows 2000 server and active directory installed. I want to set up a PC with Windows 2000 server to replicate the active directory so that if the server was to die users would still get authenticated to active directory via the PC. Is this possible and what would be the best way to configure the pc? Thanks.

 

[DJCopa]

Hello Dagk.

First thing to do would be to promote the server to a Domain Controller - Use DCPROMO for this.
Active Directory replicates aroud a netowrk to Domain Controllers, so any changes made to AD will appear on your new DC.

 

[Dagk]

Hi,

I tried this originally and had AD running on the PC. The problem I found was that if I shut down the server and tried to open AD on the PC, AD wouldn't open. It only opened on the PC when the server was up. What am I doing wrong?

 

[ap1612]

Are you actually promoting the PC to a Domain Controller?

Also you might want to replicate DNS to the PC as well as you might have problems if on you lose your DNS server.

 

[DJCopa]

Try this link if you are still having problems, 2/3rds way down.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/238369/EN-US/

As ap1612 said, you will need DNS setup for the server to function correctly.

 

[Digitalcandy]

Not only do you need DNS setup on your secondary server, you'll also need to make it a Global Catalog as well. There are no problems having multiple GCs on a network, unless you have a crappy network with small bandwith.

 

[Dagk]

OK! Thanks for the info. How would I configure a second Global Catalog on the second DC (server)?

 

[GrnEyedLdy]

http://www.jsifaq.com/SUBG/TIP3200/rh3294.htm

 

[Dagk]

Hi,

I have now set up an additional PC with Windows 2000 server. I have ran DCPROMO and made it an additional DC. I have also made it an additional global catalog. When I turn off the original DC server however and leave the additional DC pc on and try to access users and computers on the PC I get the following error message:

Naming information cannot be located because: The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted.

What can I do to allow me to access AD when the original DC is switched off?

 

[GrnEyedLdy]

What about DNS?

 

[markdmac]

verify where your MMC snap in is pointing to also. If it is pointing to the downed server that would be a problem.

Don't forget about FSMO roles either. You shouldn't just shut off your server willy nilly as the FSMO roles will be unaccessible. For your testing you may need to transfer the roles first. DON'T transfer the schema master unless the server will be retired.

I hope you find this post helpful. Please let me know if it was.

Regards,

Mark