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by senorxp

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Here is my situation. I have a network domain already in place with three servers(WinNT 4.0 sp6). Let us say the name of the domain is domain001. I am attempting to add two additional servers running Windows 2000. When I install the OS I specify thedomain and everthing is good. I have my users on the Windows 2000 server. Now here is the problem - when I attempt to install Active Directory on the Windows 2000 servers I either need to create a new domain tree which is completely independent of my current 'forest' - I am assuming that is the new term for domain, or when I attempt to add it to an existing domain (domain001 in this case) I receive a pop-up message that tells me that it is not an acitve directory domain- which it isn't. If youneed additional information please let me know. If you have any suggestions they will be greatly appreciated.

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by timwalsh

I immediately see your problem.

Several hard and fast rules relating to Active Directory (AD):
1. Installing AD (running dcpromo) creates a Win2K Domain Controller (DC).
2. A Win2K (DC) cannot exist in an NT4 domain.
3. In order to migrate a domain from NT4 to a Win2K AD domain, Win2K MUST be installed on the NT4 PDC (not a BDC).
4. NT4 BDCs can exist in a Win2k AD domain.
5. Win2K standalone or member servers can exist in an NT4 domain.

The bottom line is: you don't need to install Active directory if you aren't migrating your domain to AD. If you are migrating your domain, Win2K and AD MUST be installed first on your NT4 PDC.

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