Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of columbiaG
columbiaGFlag for United States of America

asked on

network with server 2003 and server 2008 adding server 2012

Question may be a bit based on the earlier question i posted. Have an existing server 2003 and a Server 2008 standard, with both as domain controllers (forest and domain function levels set at server 2003 on both). Adding a server 2012 R2 standard and want to add it as a domain controller. Believe going thru the steps it will configure itself at the 2003 level automatically, and add itself as a domain controller to both.
My question is will adding this unit as a domain controler impact functionality of the network during the work day. Will it have to disconnect users in the domain while it registers or will it add itself with no impact since 2 other servers are already controller the domain. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Avatar of mlsbraves
mlsbraves
Flag of United States of America image

I'm assuming your configuring this as a BDC (Backup Domain Controller)? I've added several BDC before and it has never affected anyone.
Avatar of columbiaG

ASKER

don't think there is any way to make the distinction, you just add it as a DC, no choice as to primary or backup
By default it will assume the role as BDC if your adding it to an existing domain.

You can use the following to figure out which one is your PDC
nltest /dclist: domain.local
replace domain.local with your domain
run that on the server or a pc
Any system on the domain is fine

nltest /dclist:domain.local

There is no space after /dclist:

This will list all Domain Controllers for that domain. You will see [PDC] after the system that is your PDC.
nope, says it cannot find DC to get dc list from, and present network has 2 domain controllers
Adding another Domain Controller won't disrupt networking for the users. That being said it is a good idea to know which one is your Primary Domain Controller. If this one were to fail your backup domain controller would takeover role as primary. Can you copy the exact error you are getting? Just tested it on a Win 7 client of mine and shows me all 3 domain controllers and indicates the PDC.
Ok, figured out what I was doing wrong, it is showing my 2008 server as the PDC, and also lists the 2003 server, just not as the PDC....
So installing the DC on the 2012 will not disrupt anything on my existing net if it is done during working hours while others are logged into the 03 and 08 servers?
Once I install this on the 2012 server, will the 2012 take over as PDC?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of mlsbraves
mlsbraves
Flag of United States of America image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Thanks for all of your help with this