Adding a Windows 2008 server as a member server ?

Snow-Munki · 14 Dec 2009 at 09:40

Hi,

I have googled this and believe I have even asked on here, but there should be no issues adding a Server 2008 machine to a 2003 domain ?

As my boss is certain it will make changes to the Ad scheme which he doesn't want to risk. I told him this is only the case when you make a server 2008 a domain controller.

Anyone know of any whitepapers to prove this ? I had a search on Microsoft's site but with no luck.

Thanks,

oddjob62 · 14 Dec 2009 at 09:47

Nope... no need to do anything. You will need to manually run a adprep to change the schema.

http://www.petri.co.il/windows-server-2008-adprep.htm

Snow-Munki · 14 Dec 2009 at 09:53

Thanks, this new server will just be a member server, not a domain controller.

Therefore I won't need to run ad prep -> so won't change AD ?

He is worried as soon as I install Server 2008 it will mess up the current 2003 domain.

oddjob62 · 14 Dec 2009 at 10:08

Snow-Munki said:
Thanks, this new server will just be a member server, not a domain controller.

Therefore I won't need to run ad prep -> so won't change AD ?

He is worried as soon as I install Server 2008 it will mess up the current 2003 domain.

Correct

Snow-Munki · 14 Dec 2009 at 10:19

oddjob62 said:
Correct

Thanks, don't mean to be rude but do you happen to know where this might be stated on some website ?

Need some proof

Biffa · 14 Dec 2009 at 12:43

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc708131(WS.10).aspx

oddjob62 · 14 Dec 2009 at 14:25

Snow-Munki said:
Thanks, don't mean to be rude but do you happen to know where this might be stated on some website ?

Need some proof

I doubt there will be something written on the microsoft site that says "when you add a 2008 member server to a 2003 domain the schema is not affected". As there's no reason to. In the same way that it doesn't say, "when you add a 2008 server to a 2003 domain your trousers will not burst into flames". Silly comparion but you know what i mean (ie they won't list everything that doesn't change)

iaind · 14 Dec 2009 at 14:39

Its just common sense that it wont affect the schema unless it's a DC - I'm guessing your boss isnt very IT literate

brainchylde · 14 Dec 2009 at 17:19

Why doesn't your boss know this already? It's basic!

As far as I can remember (we moved our domain controllers to 2008), all the schema changes are manual using adprep from the command line. I don't recall anything automatically happening.

You may want to highlight to your boss that it is possible to backup Active Directory too, if he's that concerned.

WILD9 · 14 Dec 2009 at 20:14

Does your boss understand what a member server is? It sounds like he might need it explaining.

Quint · 22 Dec 2009 at 08:10

here you go, explains it http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc737933(WS.10).aspx

Snow-Munki · 22 Dec 2009 at 10:30

cheers

Umm and some good advice here as usual

Andy100 · 23 Dec 2009 at 01:41

I think the only time it would make schema changes as a member server is if you installed soomething like exchange on it.

You still don't need to raise the functional level though.