Microsoft KB Archive/296480

= HOW TO: Upgrade a Windows NT 4.0-Based PDC to a Windows 2000-Based Domain Controller =

PSS ID Number: 296480

Article Last Modified on 9/22/2003

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

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This article was previously published under Q296480





IN THIS TASK

 * SUMMARY
 * Upgrade an Existing NT 4.0 PDC to Windows 2000
 * Upgrade a New NT 4.0 Instatllation to Windows 2000
 * REFERENCES



SUMMARY
This article describes methods you can use to upgrade a Microsoft Windows NT 4.0-based primary domain controller (PDC) to a Windows 2000-based domain controller. The first step in the domain upgrade process is to upgrade the PDC to Windows 2000 Server. Use one of the following methods to upgrade the Windows NT 4.0-based PDC to a Windows 2000-based domain controller.

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Upgrade an Existing NT 4.0 PDC to Windows 2000

 * 1) Synchronize all the backup domain controllers (BDCs) in the domain so that they are completely up-to-date. Consider taking one of the BDCs offline to preserve a replica of the Security Accounts Manager (SAM).
 * 2) Make sure that no unnecessary programs are running before you go to the next step. For example, make sure that anti-virus software is disabled.
 * 3) Make sure that there is no DNS suffix configured in the TCP/IP properties for the local area connection unless you are running a slipstreamed copy of Windows 2000 that includes Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 (SP3).
 * 4) Insert the Windows 2000 Server or Advanced Server CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive on the PDC. The Windows 2000 Installation Wizard starts and then asks whether you want to upgrade the system to Windows 2000. Click Yes.
 * 5) When the wizard asks whether you to upgrade the system or create a new installation, click Next to upgrade.
 * 6) Accept the license agreement, and then click Next.
 * 7) Click Upgrade the file system (to NTFS5), and then click Next.
 * 8) After the system copies necessary system files and then restarts, the rest of the upgrade process runs automatically.
 * 9) After the upgrade is complete, the server restarts, and then the Active Directory Installation Wizard starts automatically. In the wizard, specify the appropriate Active Directory options.

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Upgrade a New NT 4.0 Installation to Windows 2000

 * 1) Install Windows NT Server 4.0. During the installation, specify the options necessary to make the new computer a backup domain controller.
 * 2) In Server Manager, promote the BDC to PDC.
 * 3) Check to make sure that there are no errors in the event logs and that SAM replication is completing successfully.
 * 4) Use the steps that are listed Method 1 to upgrade the PDC to Windows 2000.

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