how do I set up second server to be exact back up of first server?

[R00K]

We have 2 servers with MS Server 2003 standard. One server is being shipped overseas. A second server will remain local. The first server (hq) is the main server (fileserver, domain controller, vpn, etc) and the second server (local) should be a local copy for redundancy.

How do I set this up. I think I know how to replicate the domains but given the logistics, I want to be sure it is set up properly the first time.

 

[PhillyCheeseSteak]

Well firstly, you're not going to be able to sync these guys up perfectly with one overseas - so the "file server" portion may be thrown out for now. Duplicate DCs in the same domain will automatically share user info, so just verify that they are placed into different sites and have connectively with each other (including DNS -- if your DNS config is messed up, nothing will work). VPN configuration should be easy, just run the wizard in Routing and Remote Access.

Good luck,

Phil.

 

[R00K]

Thanks for your reply. I'll muddle through.

 

[tryssenaar]

If they're not going to be on the same local LAN, I would make sure both of them are Global Catalogs. Go to Active Directory Sites and Services and open the properties of each servers NTDS settings. There will be a checkbox in there for the Global Catalog.

Ryan