How to add an additional DC in Windows 2008

How to add an additional DC in Windows 2008 forest

You may have many options to an additional Windows Server 2008 domain controller by using the following methods:

1. Adding an Additional Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller by Using Add Roles

2.Adding an Additional Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller by Using the Command Line

3. Adding an Additional Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller by Using an Answer file

4. You also have the option to use the install from media (IFM) method of installation. For this option, you must have prepared installation media, either by using the improved Ntdsutil.exe command-line tool or, if necessary, from a restored backup of a domain controller in the same domain. For information about using IFM to install a domain controller in an existing domain, see Installing AD DS from Media.

To add an additional DC in Windows 2008 forest, you do not need to prepare the forest before you begin the installation. However, if you are adding the additional domain controller that you are installing is the first Windows Server 2008 domain controller in an existing Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 Server domain, ensure that the following tasks are completed:

• Prepare the forest by running adprep /forestprep on the server that holds the schema master operations master role (also known as flexible single master operations or FSMO) to update the schema. For more information, see Prepare a Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 Forest Schema for a Domain Controller That Runs Windows Server 2008.

• Prepare the domain by running adprep /domainprep /gpprep on the server that holds the infrastructure operations master role. For more information, see Prepare a Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 Domain for a Domain Controller That Runs Windows Server 2008.

• If you are installing an RODC in an existing Windows Server 2003 domain, you must also run the adprep /rodcprep command. For more information, see Prepare a Forest for a Read-Only Domain Controller.

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