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Windows Server 2012 in 2003 domain

I have a single domain/forest comprised of three domain controllers. Two of the three DCs are on Server 2003 R2, and one is on 2008 R2. The domain level is 2003, and the forest level is 2000. I have Exchange 2010 SP2 as well. I recently deployed two 2012 servers. I am considering using one of them as a DC to replace one of the 2003 servers. From what I have read so far, it seems the 2012 server should be able to be introduced into the domain as a DC without any changes to what currently is configured (no domain or forest level changes needed), is this correct? Second, are there any compelling reasons to raise the forest level to 2003, or any reasons against doing so and keeping it at 2000?

Note: All our servers are 2003 or higher, and all our client computers are on either XP SP3 or Windows 7 (most are on 7).

Thanks for your assistance!

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Mike Kline

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Venkat Suresh

I totally agree with Mike. Server 2012 will not be added as DC untill you raise DFL and FFL to 2003.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc771294.aspx

Kevin Staley

ASKER

Great! Thanks Mike! I will raise the FFL to 2003 before adding one of the 2012 servers as a DC. Thanks zenvenky for your confirmation too!

Mike Kline

Outstanding, let us know how it goes.

Thanks

Mike