Every Server a DC????

[BridgeRE]

I just started a new job with a small software company. I see here that the person who setup up this domain of 18 servers, have made them all DC's. I'm sure that this is not appropriate. I think it would be best to just have 2. Is it as simple as running DCPromo /demote on the other servers? there are: 5 Terminal servers, 7 SQL servers, 2 Storage Servers 1 well DC and 2 Webservers and 1 Multi-role server.

Thanks

 

[itsp1965]

Boy was this guy into redundancy. If all the servers are local and serving local users then 2 DCs that are also GCs should suffice. It is a very dangerous practice to mix application roles (SQL/IIS/TServices) and DC functions on the same box.

 

[BridgeRE]

Each Server does only it's job TS/SQL/IIS. However I don't think it's a good idea for all these servers to be DC's/GC's. But to answer my final question? DCPROMO /demote? Is there more to it?

 

[Davetoo]

Make sure the FSMO roles are on the two DC's you wish to keep, and dcpromote the rest out of being DC's.

Good grief...18 DC's?

I'm Certifiable, not cert-ified.
It just means my answers are from experience, not a book.

 

[Cstorms]

And if they are all GC's in the same site, think of how awesome replication must be........ I bet watching network logs was awesome.

Cory

 

[BridgeRE]

HAHAHA, Just the main DC is set as a GC. I set GC on 1 other server and will run dcpromo accordingly on the rest.

 

[LWComputingMVP]

If you have an exchange server, DO NOT demote it - Demoting an Exchange server can cause serious problems for you.

I agree, locate your FSMO roles and make sure you have two GCs. Then start demoting the rest - but I'd recommend checking on each application to ensure the you don't face similar consequences to exchange.

I can't say I know what will happen as I agree - 2 DCs per site is all you need and typically, that's all I setup.

 

[BridgeRE]

Thanks for the tip on Exchange. I guess I'll have to do some research on consequences for the 7 sql servers, well for that matter the 5 Terminal Servers too.