I'm trying toan additionalWindows Server 2003 domain controller to an existing domain. I started the active directory installation wizard, and followed all the steps to configure the current server as an additional domain controller, (specifying to copy AD froman existing 2k3 server from over the network)The process does not complete, and I get an error message that the forest is not ready to add a Windows 2003 server, and that the schema on the source server does not match the AD version on the current computer. It also says I should run adprep.exe. I checked the domain functional level and forest functional level on the current DC (the one I was copying from) and it was set to 2000. I raised it to 2003 thinking it would solve the problem, but it didn't. Doesnt adprep.exe perform the same functions as raising the domain and forest functional level from within the Active Directory Domains and Trusts window? Does anyone have any ideas about the error message I received when trying to promote the new server to an additional DC? thanks!

Check if the version of the OS are the same in the servers (Service Packs / Language Version of the system). See if the time / timezone are the same.

Everything is the same according to systeminfo, except the OS configuration of the original DC says primary domain controller. Does this mean that its setup somehow to behave like a 2000 server?

I also tried running adprep from the current 2k3 DC. Here is the error I get. C:\WINDOWS>adprep/forestprepAdprep was unable to copy file C:\WINDOWS\schema.in_ from installation point tolocal machine under directory C:\WINDOWS.[User Action]Check the log file Adprep.log in the system root System32\Debug\Adprep\Logs directory for more information. Adprep encountered a Win32 error.Error code: 0x2 Error message: The system cannot find the file specified.. Adprep was unable to copy setup files from installation point to local machine.[Status/Consequence]Adprep has stopped without making changes.[User Action]Make sure you run adprep.exe under the directory that contains the following files: schema.ini, sch*.ldf, dcpromo.cs_ and 409.cs_. The recommended way is running adprep.exe from installation media, such as CD-ROM or network share. Check thelog file Adprep.log in the system root System32\Debug\Adprep\Logs directory formore information. Adprep encountered a Win32 error.Error code: 0x2 Error message: The system cannot find the file specified.. I'm not even sure why I would have to run adprep since the current DC is a server 2003 server. There are no pre 2003 servers on the whole network, there are no other servers on the network. What file is adprep trying to copy? Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks

Hi, I recommend you to use Windowsnewsgroupfor ActiveDirectory to get relevant helpssince here is the forum for Exchange. Discussions in Active Directory http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.windowsxp.general&cat=en_US_91a15a1e-b269-4291-b6b4-dc2d504ce9ef&lang=en&cr=US Hope it helps. Xiu

Color me embarrassed!

Is this a virtual server? If so, that is the problem. You can do go to the vmware forums and find the solution. I forget what it is, but I had this issue last year.

Ok FYI everyone I found the solution here: http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?&lang=&cr=&guid=&sloc=en-us&dg=microsoft.public.windows.server.active_directory&p=1&tid=b7e1d160-480f-45f7-b832-0e9d3f0166d0 thanks to everyone for their comments :)CCNA, A+, N+