How Many 2003 Domain Controllers?

[group6]

I know this may sound like a stupid question, but Im assuming more than 1 domain controller in a Windows Server 2003 domain is really is a necessity if it is to be done right. I havent been able to find any MS documentation that actually comes out and says that or lists the perils of not doing so. Can anyone give me some links or insight?

Thank you!

 

[Davetoo]

Depends on how big your environment is and how long you can afford to be down.

Myself...minimum would be two DC's, maybe more depending upon your environment.

If you'll describe your situation (users, locations, etc.), I'm sure we can offer some better advice.

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

There are no more PDC's! There are DC's with FSMO roles!

 

[group6]

Migrating <150 users from NT4 domain to Windows Server 2003. Three new servers-Exchange 2007, Terminal Server and a file server. One location.

 

[group6]

Downtime for 4 hour Dell response for part and then rebuild too long

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

2 DC's, a SEPERATE server for Exchange 2007 and another server for TS/File server (utilize and older server for 2nd DC if thats all you have.

sorry, the total comes to 4 servers minimum.

_______________________________________
Great knowledge can be obtained by mastering the Google algorithm.

 

[group6]

Thats what I get for copying and pasting from another post.
Dedicated Exchange 2007
Dedicated TS
File server/DC
No older servers up to the job. Have the Dell quote on the 4th box, just looking for the documentation I mentioned above for CYA before I pull the trigger.

 

[markdmac]

I had the privilege to participate in creating some documentation for Microsoft around this. I wrote the migration piece. I'm trying to find the link for you as it had a section around planning too. Hope to get back to you shortly.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

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Work SMARTER not HARDER. The Spider's Parlor's Admin Script Pack is a collection of Administrative scripts designed to make IT Administration easier! Save time, get more work done, get the Admin Script Pack.

 

[ITPangaeaArchitect]

Ok so from the DC perspective. 1 is definitley rtequired, but 2 is required in order to have any fault tolerance. As menitoned before, if you have only 1 DC, whenever it reboots, chokes, ANYTHING, your entire domain will go down. Since Windows 2000, it has always been best practice to have a minimum of 2 domain controllers per site (basically per 1000 users). There is also further reasoning for this, such as separating your FSMO roles out to other DCs (which to do properly, you need at least 2 DCs and to set them both to be GCs).
With a quick lookup I was able to find this:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc759623.aspx

- Brandon Wilson
MCSE:Security00/03; MCSA:Security03
MCSA:Messaging00; MCP; A+
IT Pangaea (

http://it-pangaea.com)

 

[group6]

Thanks, thats what I was looking for. So much for my technet search skills.

 

[markdmac]

Here is the guidance for Small & Medium IT that I worked on.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...AF-9EB2-4A79-A0FE-54608C268F10&displaylang=en

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

Work SMARTER not HARDER. The Spider's Parlor's Admin Script Pack is a collection of Administrative scripts designed to make IT Administration easier! Save time, get more work done, get the Admin Script Pack.