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Test AD environment

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by lheisey

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Built a W2K server. Want to create a test environment for learning and working with AD for a roll out in the next couple months. How can I do this? Can I make a W2k a pdc or do I have to rebuild the server to NT and make a BDC, remove from network promote to PDC then upgrade to W2K?

6 replies

by timwalsh

Had to read your question a couple of times to to see what you are really asking but I think I've got it.

Just to make sure I understand: Essentially what you want to do is "take a snapshot" of your current network configuration to test your AD migration before doing it for real.

If this is the case, there are a couple of AD "rules" you will need to deal with for both your test sand live environments:
1. A Win2K AD Domain Controller (DC) (the NT PDC/BDC relationship doesn't exist inWin2K) CANNOT exist in an NT4 domain.
2. In order to successfully migrate an NT 4 domain, Win2K must be installed on an NT4 PDC.
3. An NT4 BDC can exist in a Win2K domain.

Given these "rules," you actually answered your own question (rebuild test server to NT4 BDC, synchronize with PDC, remove from network, promote to PDC, upgrade).

One possible stumbling point depending on the size of your test environment: AD relies heavily on DNS and must have access to a DNS server for proper operation. If your test environment will only encompass the server, this won't really be an issue. If your test environment will encompass several servers or other computers, you will need to install DNS in your test domain.

Good luck.

by rabbit_runner

Hi, If I understand you correctly, you have a Win2k server that you are wanting to make into a Domain Controller. This is fairly simple. Install Active Directory...
start / Run (type = dcpromo) press enter
This will start the wizard for installing Active directory. During the installation you will be asked ..1) if this is a new domain controller 2) is this a new domain 3) is this a new forest.

Answer each accourding to your design plans. That is all. From that point, you can add other Domain Controllers. Note: for each domain, you should have two domain controllers, especially if it is the root of your Forest. In Windows 2000, you have Domain Controllers, there is no PDC and BDC.

hope this helps.

by lheisey

Tim thanks for the answer. One question:
when you say remove from network, do we mean unplug cat 5 cable or remove server from domian using server utility?

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