If this needs to be moved, I appologize. I have been searching for a solution to this problem, a fresh domain created with 2008server I do not have a MSA containter , yes I selected advanced features...in fact that is the "only" tip I am getting, most of the articles I find just tell you how to add accounts to this container...what if you dont have it? Did I miss a step? I am pretty sure I didnt do any 2003 compatability.

doh, could this only be in R2?

Hello, Yes, Managed service account is applicable to Windows Server 2008 R2. For more info. please have a look at following... Managed Service Accounts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff641729(WS.10).aspx Managed Service Accounts: Understanding, Implementing, Best Practices, and Troubleshooting http://blogs.technet.com/b/askds/archive/2009/09/10/managed-service-accounts-understanding-implementing-best-practices-and-troubleshooting.aspx Service Accounts Step-by-Step Guide http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd548356(WS.10).aspx Hope that helps. ~Santosh

so, when I have how-tos that specify service accounts, Is there a way to implement something similar in 2008 base?

so, when I have how-tos that specify service accounts, Is there a way to implement something similar in 2008 base? MSA is a new feature introduced in 2008 R2 and its specific to R2 only. Similar feature is not available in 2008 Server or earlier versions. You would need to follow the same old techniques of creating Service Accounts for 2008. I mean, creating a Domain User with minimum required permissions that can be used across AD infra for running specific services etc...~Santosh