The PDC/BDC scenario went out with NT. 2000 and 2003 use a Multi-Master domain model where all DCs have a writable copy of the accounts etc in Active Directory. However, there are 5 Flexible Single Master Operation (FSMO) roles that can are assigned to individual DCs, and thus should be moved to another DC if you intend on taking the server down that holds them: PDC Emulator RID Master Infrastructure Master Schema Master Domain Naming Master One of each of the top 3 exist in each domain in a forest, while only one of each of the bottom 2 exist per for the whole forest. To change the top 3 you need to open AD Users and Computers snapin, ensure you're connected to the DC that you want to change the roles to (right-click and select "connect to domain controller.." to change), then right click and select "Operation Masters". To change the Schema master you need to use the Schema snapin (I'm not schema master on my network so I can't remember where you go but it's not difficult to find). To change the Domain Naming Master, it's the same procedure as for the PDC Emulator etc, but from within the AD Domains and Trusts snapin. Hope this helps, ************************** you can also move roles using ntdsutil on the command line. This is useful especially if you have a DC go belly up on you (voice of experience here) Check <a href="http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255504">HERE</a> for info **************************

The PDC/BDC scenario went out with NT. 2000 and 2003 use a Multi-Master domain model where all DCs have a writable copy of the accounts etc in Active Directory. However, there are 5 Flexible Single Master Operation (FSMO) roles that can are assigned to individual DCs, and thus should be moved to another DC if you intend on taking the server down that holds them: PDC Emulator RID Master Infrastructure Master Schema Master Domain Naming Master One of each of the top 3 exist in each domain in a forest, while only one of each of the bottom 2 exist per for the whole forest. To change the top 3 you need to open AD Users and Computers snapin, ensure you're connected to the DC that you want to change the roles to (right-click and select "connect to domain controller.." to change), then right click and select "Operation Masters". To change the Schema master you need to use the Schema snapin (I'm not schema master on my network so I can't remember where you go but it's not difficult to find). To change the Domain Naming Master, it's the same procedure as for the PDC Emulator etc, but from within the AD Domains and Trusts snapin. Hope this helps, ************************** you can also move roles using ntdsutil on the command line. This is useful especially if you have a DC go belly up on you (voice of experience here) Check <a href="http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255504">HERE</a> for info **************************