SBS 2003 joining existing DOMAIN and workaround this issue!

Hi All,

I have read a number of posts indicating that it is "impossible" to join SBS
to the existing Win2K/Win2003 domain;

I have tried "dcpromo" --> demote ---> join as the member server --> promote
to DC; It did fail with many many errors!!

Now, what are my options?

I have a fairly small (2 sites with ~50 users) environment: Windows 2000
Server running as the Terminal Service, File/Print server and AntiVirus
server

I want to add SBS and use it as FILE/MAIL server; Re-configuring existing
two servers and domain would be just a HUGE pain and i am really looking
for alternatives;

MANY THANKS,

Sava

 

Hi Sava -

You've got to do this at the right time in the setup. Load the Windows
portion of SBS, but before you continue with the SBS integrated setup, join
the server to the existing domain, dcpromo and transfer FSMO roles to this
box. Then continue with the SBS integrated setup. When it's all said and
done, you should have SBS on your existing domain and holding all of the
roles that SBS wants.

--

Chad A. Gross - SBS MVP
SBS ROCKS!

www.msmvps.com/cgross
www.gosbs.org

 

Hi Sava

I am sorry but there is no way. SBS MUST be the PDC at the root of the
Forest and have the FSMO role with no trusts. You can join the other servers
as member servers and BDC but there is no way to do what you ask. see
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/techinfo/overview/generalfaq.mspx

Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server is designed for partners who
want to deliver a server solution based on Windows Server 2003 as part of
their product offering. It provides the same version of Windows Server 2003
that is used by Windows Small Business Server 2003, but it has none of the
added features included in the standard edition or premium edition of
Windows Small Business Server 2003.

Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server has the following
restrictions:

. Only one computer in a domain can be running Windows Server 2003 for
Small Business Server.

. Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server must be the root of
the Active Directory® forest.

. Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server cannot trust any other
domains.

. A Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server domain cannot have
any child domains.

. Each additional server must have a Windows Server 2003 for Small
Business Server client access license (CAL). You can use CALs for each user
or for each device.

 

Hi Sava

Maybe I misunderstood what you wanted to do. What Chad says is accurate if
you are willing to accept the transfer of the control to the SBS.

 

yes, you can't join a complete SBS to an existing domain, but you can do all
sorts of things if you do them at the right time and in the right way.

My one concern with this and similar questions is the issue of 'support'. MS
'support' only clean install or approved migration.

I'm a little concerned about Sava's mention of '2 sites with ~50 users'. If
this is two physical locations we're OK but I haven't played with joining
SBS to a multiple 'site' AD domain.

 

Hi All!
Thanks for your prompt reply; The operations failed and
here are the steps I performed:

1. Install 'clean' SBS 2003 Standard
2. Join the existing DOMAIN as member server
3. Run dcpromo -->failed; The error message is:
" The version of the Activer Directory Schema of the
source forest is not compatible with the version of the
Active Directory on this computer"

The existing environment is running off the Windows 2000
Server Standard ed.

I did most of suggestions, but I get to the point in SBS
Integrated setup where I have a WARNING saying "This
Computer is configures as a Domain Member Server"

It was suggested to run Adprep CLI tool which could not be
found on the server!

Please advice!

Many thanks,
Sava

 

ADPrep is on the 2003 CD

you must prep both the forest and domain of a 2000 AD before promoting a
2003 server into a DC role.

Search support.microsoft.com

Hi All!
Thanks for your prompt reply; The operations failed and
here are the steps I performed:

1. Install 'clean' SBS 2003 Standard
2. Join the existing DOMAIN as member server
3. Run dcpromo -->failed; The error message is:
" The version of the Activer Directory Schema of the
source forest is not compatible with the version of the
Active Directory on this computer"

The existing environment is running off the Windows 2000
Server Standard ed.

I did most of suggestions, but I get to the point in SBS
Integrated setup where I have a WARNING saying "This
Computer is configures as a Domain Member Server"

It was suggested to run Adprep CLI tool which could not be
found on the server!

Please advice!

Many thanks,
Sava

 

278875 Cannot Promote a Windows Server 2003 Domain Controller into a Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=278875

Basically, run "adprep /forestprep" and "adprep /domainprep" from the SBS
2003 CD #\i386 folder on the Windows 2000 DC.

Chris Puckett, MCSE
Microsoft Small Business Server Support


This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
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