adding a 2nd domain controller to existing domain


Recommended Posts

I have a question (probably stupid but it's not mentioned anywhere). We have just purchased a new server. When adding a 2nd controller to my existing tree (using dcpromo), does the new server have to be part of the domain first or can I just add it as a domain controller and it would know to add it the domain?

 

 

 

you don't need to add it to the domain first, if you add dns server first and have it be a secondary dns server you can then add it as a second domain controller. It will save a reboot doing it this way.

  • Like 2
  On 22/07/2014 at 15:53, sc302 said:

you don't need to add it to the domain first, if you add dns server first and have it be a secondary dns server you can then add it as a second domain controller. It will save a reboot doing it this way.

Isnt that very insecure? Doesnt the pc need to be a member of the domain first? If not couldnt anybody just add a rougue dns server to the domain? I thought you have to make the pc a member of the domain first before adding any roles to it. Usually it throws up an error message stating so.

No.. You would have to give permission to that server to be a dns server..It isn't like you can just simply add a dns server nilly willy to the domain

 

Here are the steps:

1st, give the new server a static ip address with the dns servers the current dns servers in the ipv4 properties

2nd go to a dns server and open up the zone that you want to add a secondary dns server to, go to the properties of the domain and the _msdcs and allow zone transfers to the ip of the new server

3rd go to the new server and setup the ad zones in the dns (you will need to install the dns server role on the server)

4th change the dns on the nic of the new server to be itself

5th run dcpromo and add server as a secondary domain controller. 

 

Once completed you can take the zone transfers out. 

 

 

This saves on a reboot, takes me less time to do this than it does to do a reboot.  All about saving time when you don't have a lot of time to do this. 

  On 22/07/2014 at 18:49, hagjohn said:

Thanks. I've never added a 2nd controller to a windows domain. I assume I add a user to the domain, to get it fully on the domain and then promote it, correct?

 

You can do it the way sc302 mentioned or just do it via System - change the workgroup business and add the domain. Once you click ok it will ask you for a username for an authorized account (admin account) to add the server the domain, same way how you add a non-server to a domain.

 

Once that's all done you just have to promo it and follow the wizard which will mention the other DC and that you are a 2nd controller in the main forest.

  • 4 months later...

I have always done it the traditional way, when adding a new server, patch it up with service packs/fixes, join to domain, then add roles to the server (inc DC role) after being joined.

 

a reboot save isn't valid if its not yet a part of the domain/DC cluster.

  On 22/07/2014 at 19:18, sc302 said:

No.. You would have to give permission to that server to be a dns server..

 

Once completed you can take the zone transfers out. 

 

This saves on a reboot, takes me less time to do this than it does to do a reboot.  All about saving time when you don't have a lot of time to do this. 

 

Sounds like a recipe for disaster and I cannot believe it to be much faster than a join, reboot then promote. Kudos if that's what works for you but to me it seems a bit overly complicated.

Depends, have you ever waited 5-10 minutes for a server reboot to scan through raid/scsi cards or that dell lifecycle controller? 

 

Not a recipe for disaster, there is nothing that would cause an issue.  Tell me what is going to screw up so bad by doing it the way I describe?  DNS?  no you are copying information not over writing.  The process of adding a server?  maybe, if you don't add the dns entries in the tcp/ip properties properly after you have copied the dns info over.

 

 

  On 10/12/2014 at 12:52, Mando said:

I have always done it the traditional way, when adding a new server, patch it up with service packs/fixes, join to domain, then add roles to the server (inc DC role) after being joined.

 

a reboot save isn't valid if its not yet a part of the domain/DC cluster.

btw, with my method the system does not need to be a domain member prior to dcpromo. 

  On 10/12/2014 at 14:05, sc302 said:

Depends, have you ever waited 5-10 minutes for a server reboot to scan through raid/scsi cards or that dell lifecycle controller? 

 

Yes, I call that time "coffee" time or "me" time :)

 

Again kudos to you, and if it works for you go for it.

  • 1 month later...
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • UI is slow but you prefer a slower UI to a snappier UI basically. Everyone is different.
    • XFX 9060 XT 16 GB is $349 on Amazon (shipped & sold by Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8...p;previewDohDeal=1&th=1 People - never trust any neowin deals posted - they are the worst at seeking deals, and just want to peddle their own to make a quick buck. It's disgusting.
    • It's a grey market key - proceed at your own risk. It's baffling that neowin supports this shady stuff.
    • Arc 1.57.0 by Razvan Serea ARC browser is finally here for Windows, bringing its unique and modern approach to browsing. With a clean interface and a powerful sidebar, ARC makes managing tabs and organizing your workflow a breeze. You can group tabs, pin important pages, and quickly switch between work and personal spaces without clutter. It’s designed to be fast, customizable, and genuinely useful, making it more than just a browser—it’s a productivity tool. If you’re on Windows and want a fresh way to browse and stay organized, ARC is worth checking out. ARC browser key features: Split View: Work with multiple tabs side by side in a single window for efficient multitasking. Tab Grouping: Organize tabs into customizable groups for better workflow management. Pinned Tabs: Keep essential pages permanently accessible in the sidebar. Spaces: Create separate workspaces for different projects or personal use, reducing clutter. Sidebar Integration: Access bookmarks, notes, and tools directly from the sidebar for quick navigation. Customizable Themes: Personalize the browser’s appearance with themes and color schemes. Quick Search: Find tabs, history, or bookmarks instantly with a powerful search bar. Lightning-Fast Performance: Built for speed with optimized resource usage and minimal lag. Built-in Note-Taking: Jot down ideas or save snippets directly within the browser. Focus Mode: Hide distractions and focus on a single tab or task. Cross-Device Syncing: Seamlessly sync your data across multiple devices for a unified experience. Keyboard Shortcuts: Boost productivity with customizable shortcuts for common actions. AI-Powered Suggestions: Get smart recommendations for tabs, bookmarks, and workflows. Privacy Controls: Built-in tools for blocking trackers and managing cookies for enhanced security. Extensions Support: Compatible with popular browser extensions to extend functionality. Arc Browser 1.57.0 release notes: ''Thanks as always for using Arc. This week's release includes a bump to Chromium 137.0.7151.69, which patched three security vulnerabilities. Enjoy!'' Download: Arc Browser 1.57.0 | 1.9 MB (Freeware) View: Arc Browser Website | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • they put useless AI, new plastick sticker 8K and price +$80 for nothing
  • Recent Achievements

    • First Post
      Uranus_enjoyer earned a badge
      First Post
    • Week One Done
      Uranus_enjoyer earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      jfam earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • First Post
      survivor303 earned a badge
      First Post
    • Week One Done
      CHUNWEI earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      427
    2. 2
      +FloatingFatMan
      237
    3. 3
      ATLien_0
      213
    4. 4
      snowy owl
      210
    5. 5
      Xenon
      160
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!