Question

Should I install Active Directory and Domain Controller for a Small Business on Windows Server 2003?

Asked by: dstjohnjr

I am setting up a new Windows 2003 server for a small business (less than 10 employees).  This will mainly be a file server in addition to a database server (SQL Server 2008).  On install, should I install Active Directory and setup the server as a Domain Controller, or, just as a standalone server?  All of the workstations at this point are Windows 2000, but I am working on upgrading them to Windows XP Pro.

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Asked On
2009-10-30 at 10:56:38ID24858909
Topics

Windows 2003 Server

,

Windows 2000 Operating System

,

Windows XP Operating System

Participating Experts
4
Points
500
Comments
7

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Answers

 

by: oBdAPosted on 2009-10-30 at 11:00:00ID: 25705372

If this is a "Small Business Server 2003" installation (which would make sense), you have no choice about it. An SBS *has* to be a DC, it will shut down otherwise.
Even if it's not, and for "only" 10 people, AD makes a lot of things a lot easier.

 

by: dstjohnjrPosted on 2009-10-30 at 11:07:36ID: 25705447

No, this is Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition.

 

by: oBdAPosted on 2009-10-30 at 11:13:36ID: 25705491

AD makes sense here anyway; you'll have centralized user management and don't need to worry about how to give the users access to the file server.
The main problem people fight with when setting up AD is still DNS, so here are some links to get you started:

10 DNS Errors That Will Kill Your Network
http://mcpmag.com/features/article.asp?EditorialsID=413

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 2000 DNS and Windows Server 2003 DNS
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=291382

Best practices for DNS client settings in Windows 2000 Server and in Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=825036

 

by: jaynirPosted on 2009-10-30 at 11:51:14ID: 25705808

Microsoft doesn't recommend SQL/oracle on the same domain server for the production environment.

 

by: KCTSPosted on 2009-10-30 at 11:53:25ID: 25705823

As you have already invested in a Windows Server, it would seem foolish not to create a domain and make the most of the features and the ease of administration that a domain would bring.

 

by: gnarlysagePosted on 2009-11-02 at 20:38:40ID: 25726089

I agree with the other Experts - To do this right you need two servers. One for the AD & the other as a SQL box.

SBS2003 is an exception to the separate SQL issue - but it has been designed for this.  With Server 2008 - this is no longer supported - MS wants the SQL application on its own server.

If new server hardware is an issue - run a virtual server product such as ESXi and virtualize the two recommended servers.

 

by: dstjohnjrPosted on 2009-11-03 at 09:27:17ID: 31648145

Thank you experts!  Your comments and professional advice are greatly appreciated!

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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