Two Domain Controllers

[itgeek]

Hi

 

We have two domain controllers both running dns and dhcp. When the main dc that holds the FSMO roles was turned off this has a major impact on the computer start up (please wait) and logon times. My question is do you need the server that holds these roles to be switched on all the time?

 

Thanks in advance.

[plexer]

Are they both global catalog servers?

 

Ben

[itgeek]

Yes both dcs are GC servers.

Thanks

[bart21]

Is the one you are turning off the primary DNs server address for that dhcp scope?

 

In answer to your question, no your network will manage for some time without those roles.

[itgeek]

Hi Thanks for your reply. We have a 70/30 split for our DHCP Scope could this be the problem do you think?

 

Thanks

[ricki]

There is no primary domain controller any more its a legacy thing but yes you need the server turned on or move the roles while its turned on.

[itgeek]

Sorry to answer your question yes it is the Primary DNS server that I turned off it says next to the server in dhcp.

 

Thanks

[JoeBloggs]

The server which holds the FSMO roles I consider to be the primary DC - your network won't last long without them

 

Microsoft got rid of the terminology of "primary domain controllers" it so it doesn't look like there is 1 point of failure. But as far as I am aware you can only have each FSMO role on 1 server (cannot be duplicated)

Edited August 8, 2013 by JoeBloggs
clearer answer

[plexer]

Well you can spread the fsmo roles between servers but you can't duplicate them which is something you would have thought MS would have sorted out by now.

 

Ben