Upgrade to a Single Domain Forest

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To complete the process for upgrading to a single domain forest, perform the following tasks:

  1. Back up all domain data.

  2. If you have an existing DNS infrastructure, delegate the DNS zone for the new Windows Server 2003 domain.

  3. Configure protection against domain controller overload.

  4. Upgrade the operating system of the Windows NT 4.0 PDC.

  5. Install Active Directory.

  6. Configure the site topology.

  7. Configure the Windows Time Service.

  8. Enable aging and scavenging for DNS.

  9. Verify DNS server recursive name resolution.

  10. Perform post-upgrade tests.

Important

  • When upgrading to a single domain forest, any individual who is a member of the Domain Admins group in the existing Windows NT 4.0 domain will become a member of the Domain Admins and Enterprise Admins groups. Before upgrading the first Windows NT 4.0 domain, remove users whom you do not want to have full access to the entire forest from both the Administrators and Domain Admins groups.