Upgrading Windows 2000 Domains to Windows Server 2003

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

You can begin the actual domain upgrade process after the forest is prepared, all changes made by the adprep /forestprep command have replicated throughout the forest, and all applicable domains have been prepared with adprep /forestprep.

Figure 9.7 shows the process for upgrading Windows 2000–based domain controllers to Windows Server 2003 Active Directory.

Figure 9.7   Upgrading Windows 2000 Domains to Windows Server 2003 Domains

Windows Server 2003–based domain controllers can be introduced in your environment by either installing Active Directory on a Windows Server 2003–based member server by using the Active Directory Installation Wizard or by upgrading the operating system of an existing Windows 2000–based domain controller. Refer to your domain controller documentation table, and follow the upgrade order determined earlier in the planning process. For more information about the order in which to upgrade your domain controllers, see "Determine Domain Controller Upgrade Order" earlier in this chapter.

Note

• Before you attempt to upgrade a domain controller in another domain to Windows Server 2003 Active Directory, remember that you must first run the adprep /domainprep command on the infrastructure master role holder in that domain. Run adprep /forestprep only once in the forest root domain, and run adprep /domainprep once in each domain in the forest in which you plan to locate a Windows Server 2003-based domain controller.