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Problem adding server to existing domain

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11 replies

by jeff.west2

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We have a new server running Win2K that will replace an existing server that is running Small Business Server 4.5 on NT 4.0 technology. We installed NT 4.0 on the new server and added it to the existing network as a backup domain controller to movethe user accounts over. Once we had those moved, we disconnected the new server from the network and promoted it to primary domain controller and then upgraded the server to 2000. This servers name is FILESERVER. That worked fine. Then while still disconnected from the existing NT network, we connected another 2000 server (BACKUP)to the other 2000 server with the user accounts. We then ran the active directory installation wizard (dcpromo) on BACKUP to make it a domain controller in the new two server network of 2000 only servers. During the process of creating the new domain controller an error occurs. It claims that the rpc server is unavailable while creating the NTDS container for the BACKUP server on FILESERVER. We can't figure out why this process is not working. Any ideas or experience would be greatly appreciated.

11 replies

by mihai.p

It seems to be a problem with name resolution.
You should check DNS settings.
Backup server should use Fileserver's DNS server.

by bazz00

You should check that DNS has installed properly onto the PDC. When you run DCpromo DNS is installed automatically for you if it is not already installed on the machine. But sometimes it does not install and iniatilize correctly. So check on the PDC that DNS is correctly instaled and running correctly, you should be looking for a few folders under DNS on the server management. If it is not working correctly then remove DNS via windows components and reinstall it until it takes properly.

Also check that you have pointed the BACKUP server's DNS to the PDC, check the DNS properties under its TCP/IP settings to make sure that it has the PDC's IP address for DNS resolution.

Hope this helps.

by amo

Tough one, but you must go into the active directory sites and services. in this location you will find the two domain controllers named (if you do not then you have a problem) that are replicating and the NTDS settings, the transport for replication must be RPC on both systems, it could be that replication of server is pointing to an IP, or smtp transport, the two server must also have the same fields active, otherwise they will not replicate. If there is nothing obvious then you may need to demote one of the servers to workgroup, and try again. Make sure that both server have the RPC service running.

by jaystar

I agree with the above that it appears to be a DNS issue. Follow this technet article: Q260371
It will walk you through everything to assure DNS is working.

If that isn't it, please let us know!

Jay

by rvkempen

The answer is much simpler, though you will not like it.
Small bussines 4.5 is a single domain controller os.
This means that it is configured to only accept one domain controller.
I do not know if there is an upgrade path to w2k small bussiness,but it should be worthwile checking it out.
Good luck.

Ron.

by jeff.west2

I tend to agree with you. DNS seemed to be fine. We decided to reinstall the Win 2000 Server after formatting the hard drive. We then created the accounts manually since there were only about 25.

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