How to Prepare an Active Directory Domain Controller for installation of Windows Server 2008
A domain controller is a single computer set up for client server operation rather than for the workgroup operation that smaller networks use. The domain controller can appear as a single server in a smaller network or as part of a forest on a larger network.
You must separately prepare each domain controller to work with Windows Server 2008. If your domain controller appears as part of a forest, then you must prepare the forest first, using the procedure found in the Preparing a forest for installation article. The following steps describe how to prepare a domain controller for user with Windows Server 2008:
1. Log on to the domain controller as a member of the Domain Admins group.
You must have the required permissions to work with the domain controller files and save them to another location. If you don't have the required group access, ask someone who has the required permission to perform this task.
2. Copy the contents of the \sources\adprep folder from the Windows Server 2008 installation media to the folder used by the infrastructure master role holder. It's possible to use Windows Explorer to perform this task. You can also rely on command line utilities, such as these:
Make sure to verify the copy after you complete it, to ensure that all the files have copied successfully.
3. Choose Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
If you're working with Vista using a remote connection, make sure to right-click the Command Prompt entry and choose Run As Administrator from the context menu, or else you won't have the proper rights.
4. Use the DVD command to change directories to the folder used by the infrastructure master role holder.
5. Type AdPrep /DomainPrep /GPPrep and press Enter. The AdPrep utility prepares your system to work with Windows Server 2008.
6. Allow the procedure to complete and the changes to replicate to the other domain controllers.
Tags: Active Directory,domain controller,adprep
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