Upgrade Additional Domain Controllers

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

After you upgrade the operating system and install Active Directory on the Windows NT 4.0 PDC, add another Windows Server 2003–based domain controller to the domain as soon as possible. This provides redundancy for any clients running in the environment.

You can add additional domain controllers to the Windows Server 2003 domain by upgrading Windows NT 4.0–based BDCs and installing Active Directory, or by adding Windows Server 2003–based member servers to the domain and installing Active Directory on the member servers.

To complete the process for upgrading additional domain controllers, perform the following tasks:

  1. Configure protection against domain controller overload.

  2. Neutralize Windows NT 4.0 domain controller emulation.

  3. Upgrade the operating system of Windows NT 4.0 BDCs.

  4. Install Active Directory.

  5. Install DNS on additional domain controllers.

  6. Reconfigure the DNS Service.

  7. Add Windows NT 4.0 BDCs to the Windows Server 2003 domain if necessary.

  8. Perform post-upgrade tests.