spectrum48k

On our small LAN, there's no need to run a DNS server. We simply set each workstation to resolve its DNS externally.

If we installed a Win2k3 server onto the LAN as a domain controller, which therefore handled user login, etc... does Active Directory go hand in hand with a domain controller ?

And does Active Directory insist on a DNS server being set up on the server ?

ChrisB

Yes and yes.

mannyo

As Chris has said, yes to both counts. You can set the DNS on the AD controller to forward its request outside though on the forwarders tab.

Sonic'

It doesnt insist on DNS being setup on the server but it does make things easier

You can use any DNS Server as long as it conforms to the standards microsoft require

Ive set it up previously to use Novell DNS Servers and Unix DNS Servers

spectrum48k

Ok, so what would happen in this scenario....

Win2k server
---------------
Actsas the LAN's domain controller
DNS server is setup and working

Win2k3 Server
------------------
Newly introduced to the LAN, simply as a standalone server
No DNS server is setup
Idea is to eventually switch everything from Win2k server over to this

So far I've run ADPREP on the Win2k Server
Then I added the DC role to the WIn2k3 where it fetched the DC info from the Win2k server eg. Active Directory, etc...

Is it safe to assume when I added the DC role, all the DNS server info was replicated over to the Win2k3 server ?

ChrisB

You'll need to add DNS to the 2K3 server, once installed it will (should) replicate the existing DNS zones.

If you want to remove the 2k server, you'll need to move the FMSO roles over by hand (see How to view and transfer FSMO roles in Windows Server 2003)

spectrum48k

great info, thanks

do I need BOTH forward lookup and reverse lookup ?

ChrisB

You should do but I've seen AD DNS missing the reverse lookup that works okay. If you have your PC pointing at the AD DNS and don't have a reverse zone, when you do a NSLookup, you'll get a message about not being able to resolve the server (even though a DNS query will work fine).

spectrum48k

cheers Chris

Just tried to remotely VPN into the Win2k3 and add the DNS server role, but it's asking for the original windows CD grrrr!

ChrisB

Bummer - first thing we do post install (before even patching) is to copy the i386 and/or AMD64 folder from the CD to the server to save future faffing...