Microsoft KB Archive/898634

= Active Directory domain controllers are not supported as Exchange Server cluster nodes =

Article ID: 898634

Article Last Modified on 10/25/2007

-

APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Exchange 2000 Enterprise Server
 * Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Cluster Server 1.1

-



INTRODUCTION
Whether you are using a Microsoft Cluster Server (MSCS)-based clustering solution or a third-party clustering solution, we strongly recommend that you install Microsoft Exchange Server software only on cluster node computers that are configured as domain member servers. Microsoft does not support the use of Exchange on cluster node computers that are also configured as domain controllers.



MORE INFORMATION
During typical operation, Exchange is intended to run without problems on identically-configured cluster nodes where each node is configured as a domain controller or as a global catalog server. However, if a problem does occur, this configuration may greatly limit the ability to troubleshoot or to correct problems without potentially disrupting critical domain communications.

Additionally, you may experience performance issues and security issues when you run Exchange in an environment where each node is configured as a domain controller or as a global catalog server. The additional load on a server that is caused by servicing Active Directory directory service requests may affect the performance of your installed Exchange software. You should also consider the fact that administrators for Exchange-based servers that also serve as domain controllers will necessarily have extensive administrative rights in the Active Directory forest.

Keywords: kbclustering kbexpertiseadvanced kbinfo KB898634

-

[mailto:TECHNET@MICROSOFT.COM Send feedback to Microsoft]

© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.