Hello, I am just in the process of setting up my first pair of 2008 servers and I have run into some issues. Perhaps it has been to long. Here are the steps I have taken, and the issues I am having: 1. Purchased domain (linuxtech.ca) 2. Set domain to point to two name servers (ns1.linuxtech.ca, ns2.linuxtech.ca). Whois indicates this has stuck 3. Installed 2008 Server, Added DC Role, Ran DC Promo, New Forest, New Domain (linuxtech.ca) - Warns about DNS lookup in Installation (This would be because I am installing the DNS for this domain correct?) 4. Installs fine on ns1.linuxtech.ca in the end 5. Login to ns2.linuxtech.ca, install DC role, run DCpromo: I. Existing Forest, Add a domain controller to an existing domain II. linuxtech.ca - Alternate creds from ns1 entered III. Error I get is "An Active Directory Controllerfor the domain linuxtech.ca could not be contacted. Note: These boxes are on the same network, are able to connect/ping to one another etc. Any tips/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Cheers, Brent.

you have to remember that your external domain/dns has no bearing here.remember machines on your network find the Domain Controllers via dns.set ns2.linuxtech.ca dns details in tcp/ip settings to point to the first DC and it should work fineafter set the DC's to reference themselfs for dns.

I do not understand the use of the alternate credentials when setting up the 2nd domain controller. You would have to use credentials already in the AD with rights to add the 2nd DC.