Active Directory Design

[tscnmuk]

Does anybody know of any software that can simulate active directory simply from a design point of view. I am looking at completely redesigning the active directory structure and would like to plan out what I am going to do.

I know that I can do this either on Excel or using a good old fashioned pen and paper but software that could realistically insert OU's and all relevant objects within them in the same way that active directory does, would be ideal.

Thanks

Tom

[plexer]

Just lay it out in a logical manner and document what is where is about all you can do simply.

Ben

[BKGarry]

I am quite sure that Microsoft Visio allows you to do AD design

[tscnmuk]

Just lay it out in a logical manner and document what is where is about all you can do simply.

Ben

Was afraid that would be the answer. As a thought, I suppose I could create an empy OU on my working domain called DESIGN or something, and then use that as the root of my new domain structure. This wouldn't effect the rest of the domain in anyway but would still offer all the OU/Object functionality that I require. Anything against doing this?

Tom

[plexer]

None as far as I can see.

Ben

[SpuffMonkey]

You could always bash up a test system in VMWare and play around to your hearts delight without the risk of damaging anything

[Slartibartfast]

As a thought, I suppose I could create an empy OU on my working domain called DESIGN or something, and then use that as the root of my new domain structure. This wouldn't effect the rest of the domain in anyway but would still offer all the OU/Object functionality that I require. Anything against doing this?

You would not be able to simulate certain policy settings that can only be set in the 'Default Domain Policy'; password length and complexity for example.

[ajbritton]

Virtual test system is the way to go.