Transferring an operations master role
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
When you create a new domain, the Active Directory Installation Wizard automatically assigns all of the domain-level operations master roles to the first domain controller that is created in that domain. When you create a new forest, the wizard also assigns the two forest-level operations master roles to the first domain controller. After the domain is created and functioning, you might transfer various operations master roles to different domain controllers to optimize performance and simplify administration.
The transfer of forest-level and domain-level operations master roles is performed as needed and is governed by the guidelines for placing operations master roles. Before you transfer an operations master role, ensure that replication between the current role holder and the domain controller assuming the role is updated.
In addition, you must determine if the domain controller that you intend to assume an operations master role is a global catalog server. However, the infrastructure master for each domain must not host the global catalog.
Do not change the global catalog configuration on the domain controller that you intend to assume an operations master role unless your IT management authorizes that change. Changing the global catalog configuration can cause changes that can take days to complete, and the domain controller might not be available during that period. Instead, transfer the operations master roles to a different domain controller that is already properly configured.
Transferring to a standby ops master
By following the recommendations for operations master role placement, the standby operations master is a direct replication partner and is ready to assume the roles. Remember to designate a new standby for the domain controller that assumes the roles.
Transferring an ops master role when no standby is ready
If you do not follow the recommendations for role placement and you have not designated a standby operations master, you must properly prepare a domain controller to which you intend to transfer the operations master roles. Preparing the future role holder is the same process as preparing a standby operations master. You must manually create a Connection object to ensure that it is a replication partner with the current role holder and that replication between the two domain controllers is updated.
In addition, you must determine whether the domain controller intended to assume an operations master role is a global catalog server. The infrastructure master for each domain must not host the global catalog.
Task Requirements
The following tools are required to perform the procedures for this task:
Repadmin.exe
Active Directory Sites and Services
Active Directory Domains and Trusts
Active Directory Schema snap-in
Active Directory Users and Computers
Ntdsutil.exe
To complete this task, perform the following procedures: