Standalone DNS

[jeffkelly]

Hello. I've been asked to build a 5 server domain (Win 2003) without workstations. The build instructions have me creating a domain controller without DNS and installing DNS on one of the four remaining application servers (stand-alone). I joined all five servers to the domain and installed DNS on the separate computer as instructed. The first thing I noticed were missing SRV records in the DNS console (_msdcs _sites _tcp _udp). Also, the Dynamic update selection was greyed out in the DNS wizard (I'm guessing because DNS is not being installed on a DC?). Anyway, I tried adding a second DC to the domain and the wizard fails the moment I give zone information (FQDN).

Bottom line question:

Is it possible to host DNS on a stand-alone application server (not a DC), and Active Directory only on the domain controller...or does DNS have to live on a domain controller? If it is possible to separate the two, how are they configured to operate together? Do I manually create the SRV records? Are they necessary in my case?

FYI: I pointed all five servers to the DNS application server in network properties and created A records in DNS. All five computers can ping each other using the FQDN.

Thanks in advance to all who reply.

 

[Davetoo]

You can run DNS on a non-DC, but it can't be AD integrated, so you'll lose the benefits of that.

When you go to DCPROMO the 2nd DC, be sure it's DNS is pointing to your DNS server.

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!