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Upgrading Active Directory Schema to 2003 R2

I have an Active Directory network with two Domain Controllers. One is running Win 2003 and the other is on Win 2003 R2. Their current Domain Functional Level is at "Windows 2000 Mixed".

I have been looking at some neat things that the Win 2003 R2 schema provides. In my list of available functional levels I have "Windows 2000 Native" and "Windows Server 2003". Should there be an option for "Windows Server 2003 R2"?

If I remember correctly the current AD was set to Windows 2000 Mixed back when there used to be some older Windows 2000 domain controllers, but with those no longer in use I assume I can move forward to a higher functional level correct? If I am not planning to use any Win 2000 domain controllers I don't need to stay at this level do I?

Mike Kline

There is not a separate 2003 R2 functional level (there is for 2008 R2), list of levels and features here
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754918(WS.10).aspx
If you are not planning to have an 2000 DCs around (good idea) you can safely raise your level.
Thanks
mike

bkesting

ASKER

So "Windows Server 2003" functional level willl push out R2 schema updates? How can I tell between 2003 schema and 2003 R2 schema?

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Mike Kline

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bkesting

ASKER

Thanks for the info. So I ran the tool and it shows that on both domain controllers I have 31 (Win 2003 R2) schema in place.

So in order to use it, I just need to raise my functionality level on the two domain controllers?

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Mike Kline

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bkesting

ASKER

Didn't realize that. So I just choose the primary role master DC and raise the functionality there and it will replicate to the other?

Mike Kline

Yeah that will work

bkesting

ASKER

Thank you very much for the very quick, informative responses.

dicconb

There are some R2 features that require the schema to be updated, but they can be used at Windows 2000 mixed functional level (eg DFS Replication). This is how we run our environment where I work.

Unless you need a feature that requires a higher functional level (eg object logon timestamping) I would consider staying at the lower functional level. Sometimes the need to accommodate windows 2000 comes unexpectedly (eg if your organisation acquires another company). Just my two cents!

Cheers,

D