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I have one domain controller (DC) in one location and a failover DC in another location. For some reason, there are a few computers in the first location when logining into the domain login into DC2 (the failover DC) rather than DC1 (the "main" DC). Anyone know why that is and how I can force these computers to login into DC1?

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Do you have active directory sites configured? – Shane Madden Aug 10 '11 at 16:34
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You have to configure Sites and Services in AD. You need to create your subnets, and associate them with sites. Then, when a machine tries to contact AD, it's subnet will tell it what site it's in, and it will start with the closest DC(s) to it, which would be in its site.

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AD sites are meant to be used for this. Or you could mess with the SRV records and the respective priorities of the DCs.

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You second suggestion isn't a good idea for most scenarios - if you make DC1 a higher priority, you're enforcing that most/all users at site 2 will try using it instead of their local, DC2. – mfinni Aug 10 '11 at 16:50
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absolutely true! I was assuming that there's only one fail-over direction rather than crosswise fail-over which would be the better solution as is the case with properly set up AD sites. – pfo Aug 10 '11 at 16:53
Agreed. As you said first, AD Sites is where it's at. It's best to use the tools available, don't try to work around them. – mfinni Aug 10 '11 at 16:56
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