Windows 2000 AD and Windows 2003 AD Compatability 1

[mspollard]

Hello

Currently I have a Windows 2000 SP4 Server running Active Directory. I also Have a Windows 2000 Member server Hosting an application in Terminal Server Mode. I want to add a 3rd box to be an additional Domain controller. I would like to add a Windows 2003 Server box and DC promo it to the domain. Any Problems with this idea ?

Thanks

 

[WillShakespeare]

None that I know of, though you might want to make sure your existing servers are in native mode for AD.
The main difference between 2003 and 2000 are the API, .NET inclusion by default, a few latest apps (like IIS 6), and more Win32 WMI properties for scripts to use.
The AD is fully compatible with the previous AD. We updated our Windows 2000 domain controller to Windows 2003... i.e. upgraded over the top rather than a new machine, and the new server ran nicely with the other Windows 2000 machines (including other DCs) on the network. Previous to that we had a Windows 2003 Terminal Server installed as a member server and print server, just to "see" how the others would react to the addition of Windows 2003... no problems.

Will

 

[mspollard]

Thanks Mr Shakespeare for your post

 

[mspollard]

Thanks Mr Shakespeare for your post

 

[mspollard]

So if the Server was set to Mixed Mode, I would need to change it native mode ?


Mike

 

[WillShakespeare]

Well, if you still have Windows NT 4.0 (i.e. pre Windows 2000) servers on the network, then this might not be a good idea. But if you are certain all of your servers are Windows 2000 or higher, then yes, switch to native mode.
If you are not certain... then don't switch until you are!
And if you are certain you DO have some pre-win2000 servers, then you probably shouldn't switch.

If you are not sure how, I think you can do it in AD.

Will

 

[WillShakespeare]

Note what is said in this thread about native and mixed mode, and also schemas. I forgot that when we upgraded to Win2003, we had to extend the schema (AD) using the software on the CD.

thread931-944625

Will

 

[mojo31]

Will, when you mean all servers will be 2000 or above, you mean DC's right?I always thought 2000 and NT4 member servers can co-exist in a 2003 native mode domain, just like NT4 non DC's could exist in a 2000 AD native environment.

 

[WillShakespeare]

My understanding was ALL servers, but you could be right... I'm afraid someone else would have to step in to confirm that one. The way i suggest does seem the safest option, but if you have successfully added NT4 machines to your Windows 2000 domain, and the WIndows AD is in native mode, then perhaps it would work.
Thing is, if it doesn't work... what then?

I also understood that Windows 2003 "native" mode, which is called something different, as per usual for MS, it is more restrictive. But then again that could be my head filling in facts where none exist!

Will

 

[WillShakespeare]

I found a great reference!

http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/w2k3/w2k3_mixedvnative.htm

Will