Here’s the setup:
Single server that is a DC, DNS, DHCP and WINS server. Also hosts all file shares (user directories and shared folders) and printer shares.
Move everything over to the new server. Here’s how:
1.Build your new server
First thing, build you new server with the latest Windows 2003 software (we’ll stay on 2003 as that’s the most common right now). We’ll call the old server OLDDC and the new one NEWDC.
Give yourself a large C: partition, at least 25gb. The rest of can be partitioned into the D: drive. I don’t like to create a lot of partitions because they just cause more overhead for little purpose. ALWAYS keep your OS and data separate though!
As for the server, most places up through 100 users can easily get by with a single RAID controller running RAID5. You’ll see plenty of debate over this (RAID6, RAID10, etc) but I’ve had good luck with this configuration. 4gb of RAM for Windows Standard.
2. Promote the server to be the DC
a. Insert your new server into the domain. Make sure to install DNS, DHCP and WINS before continuing.
b. Run “DCPROMO” and make this a new DC in your domain.
c. Record your AD Recovery password!
d. Wait at least an hour or 2 to make sure everything gets replicated and you AD settles down.
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