1

Is it possible to add a second domain to an existing Windows 2008 server? This server is already hosting a DC (dc1). I tried dcpromo and wizard prompted me that existing DC will be erased or inactivated if go through the process.

Improve this question
1
  • Do you want it to host an entire Active Directory domain, or just hold a zone for another DNS domain? Your terminology is jumbled and unclear, can you please edit your question to be more consise?
    – MDMarra
    Jan 26, 2012 at 2:41

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

If you want to have two separate AD domains on a single server, the answer is no - you can't do this. If you want two separate AD domains, you need (at a minimum) two servers.

If you want to add a second DNS zone to a Domain Controller running DNS, you can do this through the DNS manager > Add New Forward Lookup Zone.

Improve this answer
4
  • Thanks. Okay, I will a bare minimum w2k8 server for the second domain. Thanks
    – Andy Smith
    Jan 26, 2012 at 2:54
  • 1
    In almost all cases, you will want 2 DCs per domain. If one is down, you're kind of dead in the water. If it matters to business productivity at all, you should have 2 DCs per domain, minimum.
    – mfinni
    Jan 26, 2012 at 21:17
  • Additionally, there aren't a ton of reasons to run a second domain. You may want to review your needs and the AD DS deployment guides to determine if you can do what you want with GPOs, or AD LDS, or other options besides deploying a whole second domain.
    – mfinni
    Jan 26, 2012 at 21:18
  • 1
    Yeah, @mfinni is definitely right. I answered your question from a technical perspective assuming that you have a legitimate need for a 2nd domain, but in almost all cases, it's unnecessary.
    – MDMarra
    Jan 26, 2012 at 21:21

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .