Microsoft Active Directory Questions.
● What is Active Directory?
Active Directory is Microsoft's trademarked directory service, an integral part of the Windows 2000 architecture. Like other directory services, such as Novell Directory Services (NDS), Active Directory is a centralized and standardized system that automates network management of user data, security, and distributed resources, and enables interoperation with other directories. Active Directory is designed especially for distributed networking environments.
● What is LDAP?
Short for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, a set of protocols for accessing information directories. LDAP is based on the standards contained within the X.500 standard, but is significantly simpler. And unlike X.500, LDAP supports TCP/IP, which is necessary for any type of Internet access. Because it's a simpler version of X.500, LDAP is sometimes called X.500-lite.
● Can you connect Active Directory to other 3rd-party Directory Services? Name a few options?
Yes. Microsoft Identity Integration Server (MIIS) is used to connect Active Directory to other 3rd-party Directory Services (including directories used by SAP, Domino, etc).
● Where is the AD database held? What other folders are related to AD?
AD Database is saved in %systemroot%/ntds. You can see other files also in this folder. These are the main files controlling the AD structure
● ntds.dit
● edb.log
● res1.log
● res2.log
● edb.chk
When a change is made to the Win2K database, triggering a write operation, Win2K records the transaction in the log file (edb.log). Once written to the log file, the change is then written to the AD database. System performance determines how fast the system writes the data to the AD database from the log file. Any time the system is shut down, all transactions are saved to the database.
During the installation of AD, Windows creates two files: res1.log and res2.log. The initial size of each is 10MB. These files are used to ensure that changes can be written to disk should the system run out of free disk space. The checkpoint file (edb.chk) records transactions committed to the AD database (ntds.dit). During shutdown, a "shutdown" statement is written to the edb.chk file. Then, during a reboot, AD determines that all transactions in the edb.log file have been committed to the AD database. If, for some reason, the edb.chk file doesn't exist on reboot or the shutdown statement isn't present, AD will use the edb.log file to update the AD database.
The last file in our list of files to know is the AD database itself, ntds.dit. By default, the file is located in\NTDS, along with the other files we've discussed.
● What is the SYSVOL folder?
The Windows Server 2003 System Volume (SYSVOL) is a collection of folders and reparse points in the file systems that exist on each domain controller in a domain. SYSVOL provides a standard location to store important elements of Group Policy objects (GPOs) and scripts so that the File Replication service (FRS) can distribute them to other domain controllers within that domain.
You can go to SYSVOL folder by typing : %systemroot%/sysvol
● Name the AD NCs and replication issues for each NC
*Schema NC, *Configuration NC, * Domain NC
Schema NC: This NC is replicated to every other domain controller in the forest. It contains information about the Active Directory schema, which in turn defines the different object classes and attributes within Active Directory.
Configuration NC: Also replicated to every other DC in the forest, this NC contains forest-wide configuration information pertaining to the physical layout of Active Directory, as well as information about display specifiers and forest-wide Active Directory quotas.
Domain NC: This NC is replicated to every other DC within a single Active Directory domain. This is the NC that contains the most commonly-accessed Active Directory data: the actual users, groups, computers, and other objects that reside within a particular Active Directory domain.
● What are application partitions? When do I use them
A1) Application Directory Partition is a partition space in Active Directory which an application can use to store that application specific data. This partition is then replicated only to some specific domain controllers.
The application directory partition can contain any type of data except security principles (users, computers, groups).
**A2) These are specific to Windows Server 2003 domains.
An application directory partition is a directory partition that is replicated only to specific domain controllers. A domain controller that participates in the replication of a particular application directory partition hosts a replica of that partition. Only domain controllers running Windows Server 2003 can host a replica of an application directory partition.
An application directory partition is a directory partition that is replicated only to specific domain controllers. A domain controller that participates in the replication of a particular application directory partition hosts a replica of that partition. Only domain controllers running Windows Server 2003 can host a replica of an application directory partition.
● How do you create a new application partition
The DnsCmd command is used to create a new application directory partition. Ex. to create a partition named “NewPartition “ on the domain controller DC1.contoso.com, log on to the domain controller and type following command.
DnsCmd DC1/createdirectorypartition NewPartition.contoso.com
● How do you view replication properties for AD partitions and DCs?
By using replication monitor
go to start > run > type replmon
● What is the Global Catalog?
The Global Catalog (GC) contains an entry for every object in an enterprise forest but only a few properties for each object. An entire forest shares a GC, with multiple servers holding copies. You can perform an enterprisewide forest search only on the properties in the GC, whereas you can search for any property in a user’s domain tree. Only Directory Services (DSs) or domain controllers (DCs) can hold a copy of the GC.
Configuring an excessive number of GCs in a domain wastes network bandwidth during replication. One GC server per domain in each physical location is sufficient. Windows NT sets servers as GCs as necessary, so you don’t need to configure additional GCs unless you notice slow query response times.
Because full searches involve querying the whole domain tree rather than the GC, grouping the enterprise into one tree will improve your searches. Thus, you can search for items not in the GC.
● How do you view all the GCs in the forest?
C:\>repadmin /showreps <domain_controller >
where domain_controller is the DC you want to query to determine whether it’s a GC. The output will include the text DSA Options: IS_GC if the DC is a GC. . . .
You would need script to make such query, but you can also check your DNS for SRV records which contain _gc in their name.
● Why not make all DCs in a large forest as GCs?
When all the DC become a GC replication traffic will get increased and we could not keep the Infrastructure master and GC on the same domain ,so atlease one dc should be act without holding the GC role .
● Trying to look at the Schema, how can I do that?
Register the schmmgmt.dll with the command regsvr32
● What are the Support Tools? Why do I need them?
Support Tools are the tools that are used for performing the complicated tasks easily. These can also be the third party tools. Some of the Support tools include DebugViewer, DependencyViewer, RegistryMonitor, etc.
● What is LDP? What is REPLMON? What is ADSIEDIT? What is NETDOM? What is REPADMIN?
LDP : Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) is often used to establish MPLS LSPs when traffic engineering is not required. It establishes LSPs that follow the existing IP routing, and is particularly well suited for establishing a full mesh of LSPs between all of the routers on the network.
Replmon : Replmon displays information about Active Directory Replication.
ADSIEDIT :ADSIEdit is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that acts as a low-level editor for Active Directory. It is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool. Network administrators can use it for common administrative tasks such as adding, deleting, and moving objects with a directory service. The attributes for each object can be edited or deleted by using this tool. ADSIEdit uses the ADSI application programming interfaces (APIs) to access Active Directory. The following are the required files for using this tool: ADSIEDIT.DLL ADSIEDIT.MSC
NETDOM : NETDOM is a command-line tool that allows management of Windows domains and trust relationships. It is used for batch management of trusts, joining computers to domains, verifying trusts, and secure channels.
REPADMIN : REPADMIN is a built-in Windows diagnostic command-line utility that works at the Active Directory level. Although specific to Windows, it is also useful for diagnosing some Exchange replication problems, since Exchange Server is Active Directory based. REPADMIN doesn't actually fix replication problems for you. But, you can use it to help determine the source of a malfunction.
● What are sites? What are they used for?
Active Directory (AD) sites, which consist of well-connected networks defined by IP subnets that help define the physical structure of your AD, give you much better control over replication traffic and authentication traffic than the control you get with Windows NT 4.0 domains. Because AD relies on IP, all LAN segments should have a defined IP subnet. This makes creating your AD site structure straightforward; you simply group well-connected subnets to form a site.
Creating AD sites benefits you in several ways, the first of which is that creating these sites lets you control replication traffic over WAN links. This control is important in Windows 2000 because any Win2K domain controller (DC) can originate changes to AD. To ensure that a change you make on one DC propagates to all DCs, Win2K uses multimaster replication (instead of the single-master replication that NT 4.0 uses). You might think that multimaster replication would make it difficult to plan for AD replication’s effect on your WAN links, but you can overcome this obstacle using AD sites.
● What's the difference between a site link's schedule and interval?
Site Link is a physical connection object on which the replication transport mechanism depends on. Basically to speak it is the type of communication mechanism used to transfer the data between different sites. Site Link Schedule is nothing but when the replication process has to be takes place and the interval is nothing but how many times the replication has to be takes place in a give time period i.e Site Link Schedule.
● What is the KCC?
KCC stands for knowledge consistency checker. Apart of the ISTG<intersite topology generator> role in active directory. The kcc checks and as an option, recreates topology information for the active directory domain.
● What is the ISTG? Who has that role by default?
Windows 2000 Domain controllers each create Active Directory Replication connection objects representing inbound replication from intra-site replication partners. For inter-site replication, one domain controller per site has the responsibility of evaluating the inter-site replication topology and creating Active Directory Replication Connection objects for appropriate bridgehead servers within its site. The domain controller in each site that owns this role is referred to as the Inter-Site Topology Generator (ISTG).
● What are the requirements for installing AD on a new server?
● An NTFS partition with enough free space (if you have FAT or FAT32 use convert c:/fs:ntfs command to convert it to NTFS)
● An Administrator's username and password
● The correct operating system version
● A NIC
● Properly configured TCP/IP (IP address, subnet mask and - optional - default gateway)
● A network connection (to a hub or to another computer via a crossover cable)
● An operational DNS server (which can be installed on the DC itself)
● A Domain name that you want to use
● The Windows Server 2003 CD media (or at least the i386 folder)
● Brains (recommended, not required...)
● What can you do to promote a server to DC if you're in a remote location with slow WAN link?
Install from Media In Windows Server 2003 a new feature has been added, and this time it's one that will actually make our lives easier... You can promote a domain controller using files backed up from a source domain controller!!!
This feature is called "Install from Media" and it's available by running DCPROMO with the /adv switch. It's not a replacement for network replication, we still need network connectivity, but now we can use an old System State copy from another Windows Server 2003, copy it to our future DC, and have the first and basic replication take place from the media, instead of across the network, this saving valuable time and network resources.
What you basically have to do is to back up the systems data of an existing domain controller, restore that backup to your replica candidate, use DCPromo /Adv to tell it to source from local media, rather than a network source.
This also works for global catalogs. If we perform a backup of a global catalog server, then we can create a new global catalog server by performing DCPromo from that restored media.
IFM Limitations
It only works for the same domain, so you cannot back up a domain controller in domain A and create a new domain B using that media.
It's only useful up to the tombstone lifetime with a default of 60 days. So if you have an old backup, then you cannot create a new domain controller using that, because you'll run into the problem of reanimating deleted objects.
● How can you forcibly remove AD from a server, and what do you do later?
Demoting Windows Server 2003 DCs: DCPROMO (Active Directory Installation Wizard) is a toggle switch, which allows you to either install or remove Active Directory DCs. To forcibly demote a Windows Server 2003 DC, run the following command either at the Start, Run, or at the command prompt:
dcpromo /forceremoval
Note: If you're running Certificate Services on the DC, you must first remove Certificate Services before continuing. If you specify the /forceremoval switch on a server that doesn't have Active Directory installed, the switch is ignored and the wizard pretends that you want to install Active Directory on that server.
Once the wizard starts, you will be prompted for the Administrator password that you want to assign to the local administrator in the SAM database. If you have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 installed on the DC, you'll benefit from a few enhancements. The wizard will automatically run certain checks and will prompt you to take appropriate actions. For example, if the DC is a Global Catalog server or a DNS server, you will be prompted. You will also be prompted to take an action if your DC is hosting any of the operations master roles.
Demoting Windows 2000 DCs: On a Windows 2000 domain controller, forced demotion is supported with Service Pack 2 and later. The rest of the procedure is similar to the procedure I described for Windows Server 2003. Just make sure that while running the wizard, you clear the "This server is the last domain controller in the domain" check box. On Windows 2000 Servers you won't benefit from the enhancements in Windows Server 2003 SP1, so if the DC you are demoting is a Global Catalog server, you may have to manually promote some other DC to a Global Catalog server.
Cleaning the Metadata on a Surviving DC : Once you've successfully demoted the DC, your job is not quite done yet. Now you must clean up the Active Directory metadata. You may be wondering why I need to clean the metadata manually. The metadata for the demoted DC is not deleted from the surviving DCs because you forced the demotion. When you force a demotion, Active Directory basically ignores other DCs and does its own thing. Because the other DCs are not aware that you removed the demoted DC from the domain, the references to the demoted DC need to be removed from the domain.
Although Active Directory has made numerous improvements over the years, one of the biggest criticisms of Active Directory is that it doesn't clean up the mess very well. This is obvious in most cases but, in other cases, you won't know it unless you start digging deep into Active Directory database.
To clean up the metadata you use NTDSUTIL. The following procedure describes how to clean up metadata on a Windows Server 2003 SP1. According to Microsoft, the version of NTDSUTIL in SP1 has been enhanced considerably and does a much better job of clean-up, which obviously means that the earlier versions didn't do a very good job. For Windows 2000 DCs, you might want to check out Microsoft Knowledge Base article 216498, "How to remove data in Active Directory after an unsuccessful domain controller demotion."
Here’s the step-by-step procedure for cleaning metadata on Windows Server 2003 DCs:
1. Logon to the DC as a Domain Administrator.
2. At the command prompt, type ntdsutil.
3. Type metadata cleanup.
4. Type connections.
5. Type connect to server servername, where servername is the name of the server you want to connect to.
6. Type quit or q to go one level up. You should be at the Metadata Cleanup prompt.
7. Type select operation target.
8. Type list domains. You will see a list of domains in the forest, each with a different number.
9. Type select domain number, where number is the number associated with the domain of your server
10. Type list sites.
11. Type select site number, where number is the number associated with the site of your server.
12. Type list servers in site.
13. Type select server number, where number is the number associated with the server you want to remove.
14. Type quit to go to Metadata Cleanup prompt.
15. Type remove selected server. You should see a confirmation that the removal completed successfully.
16. Type quit to exit ntdsutil.
You might also want to cleanup DNS database by deleting all DNS records related to the server.
In general, you will have better luck using forced promotion on Windows Server 2003, because the naming contexts and other objects don't get cleaned as quickly on Windows 2000 Global Catalog servers, especially servers running Windows 2000 SP3 or earlier. Due to the nature of forced demotion and the fact that it's meant to be used only as a last resort, there are additional things that you should know about forced demotion.
Even after you've used NTDSUTIL to clean the metadata, you may still need to do additional cleaning manually using ADSIEdit or other such tools. You might want to check out Microsoft’s Knowledge Base article 332199, "Domain controllers do not demote gracefully when you use the Active Directory Installation Wizard to force demotion in Windows Server 2003 and in Windows 2000 Server," for more information
Read original full answer at http://redmondmag.com/columns/print.asp?EditorialsID=1352
And best read this also http://www.petri.co.il/forcibly_removing_active_directoy_from_dc.htm
● Can I get user passwords from the AD database?
As of my Knowledge there is no way to extract the password from AD Database. By the way there is a tool called cache dump. Using it we can extract the cached passwords from Windows XP machine which is joined to a Domain.
● What tool would I use to try to grab security related packets from the wire?
Network Monitor, Ethereal or Wireshark.
● Name some OU design considerations.
● Design OU structure based on Active Directory business requirements
● NT Resource domains may fold up into OUs
● Create nested OUs to hide objects
● Objects easily moved between OUs
● Departments , Geographic Region, Job Function, Object Type
Good Article about OU Design: http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Clearing-Confusion-OU-Design.html
● What is tombstone lifetime attribute?
The number of days before a deleted object is removed from the directory services. This assists in removing objects from replicated servers and preventing restores from reintroducing a deleted object. This value is in the Directory Service object in the configuration NC.
To Change the tombstone lifetime attribute read this article
● What do you do to install a new Windows 2003 DC in a Windows 2000 AD?
Before you can introduce Windows Server 2003 domain controllers, you must prepare the forest and domains with the ADPrep utility.
● ADPrep /forestprep on the schema master in your Windows 2000 forest.
● ADPrep /domainprep on the Infrastructure Master in each AD domain.
ADPrep is located in the i386 directory of the Windows Server 2003 install media.
Note: In Windows Server 2003 R2, ADPrep is not located in the same folder as in the older Windows Server 2003 media, and instead you need to look for it in the second CD. You see, Windows Server 2003 R2 comes on two installation disks. Installation disk 1 contains a slip-streamed version of Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 (SP2). Installation disk 2 contains the Windows Server 2003 R2 files.
The correct version of the ADPrep.exe tool for Windows Server 2003 R2 is 5.2.3790.2075.
You can find the R2 ADPrep tool in the following folder on the second CD:
drive:\CMPNENTS\R2\ADPREP\
(where drive is the drive letter of your CD-Rom drive)
Read more about ADPrep and Windows Server 2003 R2 in KB 917385
Exchange 2000 note: Please make sure you read Windows 2003 ADPrep Fix for Exchange 2000 before installing the first Windows Server 2003 DC in your existing organization.
Microsoft recommends that you have at least Service Pack (SP) 2 installed on your domain controllers before running ADPrep. SP2 fixed a critical internal AD bug, which can manifest itself when extending the schema. There were also some fixes to improve the replication delay that can be seen when indexing attributes.
Similar to the Exchange setup.exe /forestprep and /domainprep switches.
● The Exchange /forestprep command extends the schema and adds some objects in the Configuration Naming Context.
● The Exchange / domainprep command adds objects within the Domain Naming Context of the domain it is being run on and sets some ACLs.
The ADPrep command follows the same logic and performs similar tasks to prepare for the upgrade to Windows Server 2003.
The ADPrep /forestprep command extends the schema with quite a few new classes and attributes. These new schema objects are necessary for the new features supported by Windows Server 2003.
You can view the schema extensions by looking at the .ldf files in the \i386 directory on the Windows Server 2003 CD. These files contain LDIF entries for adding and modifying new and existing classes and attributes.
Since the schema is extended and objects are added in several places in the Configuration NC, the user running /forestprep must be a member of both the Schema Admins and Enterprise Admins groups.
The ADPrep /domainprep creates new containers and objects, modifies ACLs on some objects, and changes the meaning of the Everyone security principal.
Before you can run ADPrep /domainprep, you must be sure that the updates from /forestprep have replicated to all domain controllers in the forest.
/domainprep must be run on the Infrastructure Master of a domain and under the credentials of someone in the Domain Admins group.
You can view detailed output of the ADPrep command by looking at the log files in the %Systemroot%\system32\debug\adprep\logs directory.
Each time ADPrep is executed, a new log file is generated that contains the actions taken during that particular invocation.
The log files are named based on the time and date ADPrep was run.
The log files are named based on the time and date ADPrep was run.
Once you’ve run both /forestprep and /domainprep and allowed time for the changes to replicate to all domain controllers, you can then start upgrading your domain controllers to Windows Server 2003 or installing new Windows Server 2003 domain controllers.
● What do you do to install a new Windows 2003 R2 DC in a Windows 2003 AD?
If you're installing Windows 2003 R2 on an existing Windows 2003 server with SP1 installed, you require only the second R2 CD-ROM. Insert the second CD and the r2auto.exe will display the Windows 2003 R2 Continue Setup screen.
If you're installing R2 on a domain controller (DC), you must first upgrade the schema to the R2 version (this is a minor change and mostly related to the new Dfs replication engine). To update the schema, run the Adprep utility, which you'll find in the Cmpnents\r2\adprep folder on the second CD-ROM. Before running this command, ensure all DCs are running Windows 2003 or Windows 2000 with SP2 (or later). Here's a sample execution of the Adprep /forestprep command:
D:\CMPNENTS\R2\ADPREP>adprep /forestprep
ADPREP WARNING:
Before running adprep, all Windows 2000 domain controllers in the forest should be upgraded to Windows 2000 Service Pack 1 (SP1) with QFE 265089, or to Windows 2000 SP2 (or later).
QFE 265089 (included in Windows 2000 SP2 and later) is required to prevent poten
tial domain controller corruption.
For more information about preparing your forest and domain see KB article Q3311
61 at http://support.microsoft.com.
[User Action]
If ALL your existing Windows 2000 domain controllers meet this requirement, type
C and then press ENTER to continue. Otherwise, type any other key and press ENT
ER to quit.
C
Opened Connection to SAVDALDC01
SSPI Bind succeeded
Current Schema Version is 30
Upgrading schema to version 31
Connecting to "SAVDALDC01"
Logging in as current user using SSPI
Importing directory from file "C:\WINDOWS\system32\sch31.ldf"
Loading entries.....................................................
......................................................
139 entries modified successfully.
The command has completed successfully
Adprep successfully updated the forest-wide information.
After running Adprep, install R2 by performing these steps:
2. At the "Welcome to the Windows Server 2003 R2 Setup Wizard" screen, click Next.
3. You'll be prompted to enter an R2 CD key (this is different from your existing Windows 2003 keys) if the underlying OS wasn't installed from R2 media (e.g., a regular Windows 2003 SP1 installation). Enter the R2 key and click Next. Note: The license key entered for R2 must match the underlying OS type, which means if you installed Windows 2003 using a volume-license version key, then you can't use a retail or Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) R2 key.
4. You'll see the setup summary screen which confirms the actions to be performed (e.g., Copy files). Click Next.
5. After the installation is complete, you'll see a confirmation dialog box. Click Finish.
● How would you find all users that have not logged on since last month?
If you are using windows 2003 domain environment, then goto Active Directory Users and Computers, select the Saved Queries, right click it and select new query, then using the custom common queries and define query there is one which shows days since last logon
● What are the DS* commands?
● DSrm - to delete Active Directory objects
● DSmove - to relocate objects
DSmod
Adding objects is great, but there are times in Windows 2003 when you need to change the Active Directory properties.
Scenario, you wish to quickly change a user's password. This is task you are going to have to do regularly, and you would like to able to do it quickly from the command line. Let us now modify the the user's password with DSmod
Example 1 Modify Password
Logon to your domain controller. Check which users you have, if necessary create an ou called guyds and user called guyt.
Examine the script below. Decide how cn= or ou= or dc= need editing.
Run, CMD then copy your script and paste into the command window. Alternatively type it starting with dsmod user .........
Command : dsmod user "cn=guyt, ou=guyds, dc=cp, dc=com" -pwd a1yC24kg
Example 2 Create user WITH password
Note 1: We could have created the password at the same time we created the user. For ease of learning I introduce one variable at a time. However, here is the complete command to add a user with a password.
Command : dsadd user "cn=pault, ou=guyds, dc=cp, dc=com" -pwd a1yC24kg
Example 3 Modify Groups
Another use of DSmod is to add members to a group.
In this instance you need the full distinguished name (DN) of the group then the -addmbr switch followed by the DN of the users. Tricky method! Try dsmod group /? for more help.
Problems contact Guy Thomas see below for email address
Introduction to DSadd
DSadd is the most important member of this DS scripting family. The primary use of DSadd is to quickly add user accounts to Windows Server 2003 Active Directory. However, you can also use this method to create OUs computers, groups, or even contacts.
Creating an OU - DSadd ou....
Let us create an OU (organizational unit) to hold the rest of the test objects. Edit the dc=cp and dc =com to the fully qualified name of your Windows 2003 domain. As ever, pay close attention to the syntax, for instance the DN "ou=guyds, dc=cp, dc=com" is enclosed in double speech marks. Single 'speech marks' will not work. Also remember that DS is new in Window 2003, so will not work in Windows 2000.
Example 1 Using DSadd to Create an Organizational Unit in Windows 2003
Preparation:
Logon to your domain controller.
Examine the script below. Edit ou= or dc= to reflect YOUR domain.
Run, CMD then copy your script and paste into the command window. Alternatively type it starting with dsadd ou .........
Command : dsadd ou "ou=guyds, dc=cp, dc=com"
Note 1: dsadd ou. This command tells Active Directory which object to create, in this case an OU (not a user).
Note 2: You only really need speech marks if there is a space in any of your names. So ou=guyds, dc=cp, dc=com would work fine, but ou=GUY Space DS, dc=cp, dc=com fails because of the spaces in the GUY Space DS, name. In this second example you would type: "ou=GUY Space DS, dc=cp, dc=com"
Example 2 Employing DSadd to Create a User. (Assumes you have completed Example 1)
The purpose of this example is to create a new user in an OU called guyds.
Preparation:
Logon to your domain controller.
Examine the script below. Decide if cn= or ou= or dc= need editing.
Run, CMD then copy your script and paste into the command window. Alternatively type it starting with dsadd user .........
Creating a User - DSadd user....
Command: dsadd user "cn=guyt, ou=guyds, dc=cp, dc=com"
Note: DSadd requires the complete distinguished name. Note also that the distinguished name is encased in double "speech marks". I expect you spotted that the user will be created in the guyds organizational unit that was created in the first example. Change "cn=guyt to a different user name if you wish.
DS Error Messages
DS has its own family of error messages. I found that they are specific and varied, just remember to pay attention to detail. READ ERROR MESSAGES SLOWLY.
New DS built-in tools for Windows Server 2003
At last I have found a real useful member of the DS family of utilities. If I need to find a user quickly from the command prompt, i call for DSQuery.
Example 1 - DSQuery to list all the OUs in your domain
Let us find how many Organizational Units are there in your domain? This command will produce a listing of all OUs with this command.
Commands:
Dsquery ou dc=mydom,dc=com
or
dsquery ou domainroot
or
dsquery ou domainroot
Learning Points
Note 1: dc does NOT mean domain controller, it means domain context.
Note 2: The dc commands are not case sensitive, but they dislike spaces.
dc=mydom, dc=com will draw an error.
dc=mydom, dc=com will draw an error.
Note 3: If you haven't got any OUs (Organizational Units), I seriously suggest that you create some to organize your users.
Example 2 - To find all users in the default Users folder with DSQuery
In this example we just want to trawl the users folder and find out who is in that container.
Commands: dsquery user cn=users,dc=cp,dc=com
Learning Points
Note 1: The default users' folder is actually a container object called cn=users. My point is if you try ou=users, the command fails.
Note 2: I queried users, however dsquery requires the singular user, not userS. Other objects that you can query are computer (not computers!), group or even contact.
Challenge 1: Substitute OU=xyz for cn=users, where xyz is the name of your OU. Unfortunately, cn=users domainroot does not work.
Example 3 - DSQuery to list all your Domain Controllers
Suppose you want to list all of your domain controllers, (not computers). Which command do you think would supply the information?
Commands:
dsquery server
dsquery server domainroot
dsquery server dc=cp,dc=com
dsquery server domainroot
dsquery server dc=cp,dc=com
Learning Points
Note 1: Amazingly, dsquery server, the simplest command get the job done.
Example 4 - To query the FSMO roles of your Domain Controllers
Here is a wonderful command to find the FSMO roles (Flexible Single Master Roles) -hasfsmo. The arguments, which correspond to the 5 roles are: schema, rid, name, infr and pdc.
Commands:
dsquery server -hasfsmo schema
Learning Points
Example 5 - DSQuery to find all users whose name begins with smith*
This DSQuery example shows two ways to filter your output and so home in on what you are looking for. Let us pretend that we know the user's name but have no idea which OU they are to be found. Moreover, we are not sure whether their name is spelt Smith, Smithy or Smithye.
Commands :
dsquery user domainroot -name smith*
or
dsquery user dc=cp,dc=com -name smith* d
or plain
dsquery user smith*
or
dsquery user dc=cp,dc=com -name smith* d
or plain
dsquery user smith*
Learning Points
Note 1: Remember to type the singular user.
Note 2: Probably no need to introduce *, you probably realize it's a wildcard.
Example 6 - DSQuery to filter the output with -o rdn
The purpose of -o rdn is to reduce the output to just the relative distinguished name. In a nutshell rdn strips away the OU=, DC= part which you may not be interested in.
Command: dsquery user -name smith* -o rdn
Learning Points
Note 1: o is the letter oh (not a number). In my minds eye o stands for output.
Note 2: There is a switch -o dn, but this is not a switch I use.
Summary - DSQuery
Knowledge is power. The DS family in general and DSQuery in particular, are handy commands for interrogating Active Directory from the command line. Perhaps the day will come when you need to find a user, computer or group without calling for the Active Users and Computers GUI.
DSGet
DSGet is a logical progression from DSQuery. The idea is that when DSQuery returns a list of objects, DSGet can interrogate those objects for extra properties such as, description, manager or department. Naturally this pre-supposes you entered the relevant information in the user's properties sheet!
Introduction to DSGet
My assumption is that you are comfortable with DSQuery, if this is not the case take the time to have a refresher
Next a reminder to pay close attention to DS syntax. In this instance what we need is a pipe symbol ( | ) to join DSQuery with DSGet. Just to be clear, you type this pipe (|) with the shift key and the key next to the Z. (A colon : would produce an error).
Example 1 To Check that DSQuery is working
Let build a solid foundation with a DSQuery (Only found on a Windows Server 2003 DC)
Commands:
dsquery user domainroot -name smith*
or
dsquery user -name smith*
or
dsquery user -name smith*
Learning Points
Note 1: You need a Windows Server 2003 machine. Perhaps you could remote desktop into such a server?
Note 2: Feel free to change smith* to one of your users. Better still, create a test account and start filling in those user properties.
Example 2 Basic DSGet
We need to interrogate the output for more information. So we use DSGet to retrieve the description.
Commands:
dsquery user domainroot -name smith*
or
dsquery user -name smith* | dsget user -dn -desc
or
dsquery user -name smith* | dsget user -dn -desc
Learning Points for DSGet
Note 1: Master the pipe command | which separates dsquery from dsget. To create |, Hold down the shift key while pressing the key next to the Z.
Note 2: Even though dsquery told the operating system it was a user object, dsget still has to invoke user in its section of the command.
Example 3 - Which extra properties shall we query?
-display Display name is different from the user's description field. If you haven't done so already, time to get a user's properties sheet and start filling in those attribute boxes.
-office Useful property
-sn This command does not work. What's the matter with -sn? I will tell you what's wrong; dsget requires -ln instead of -sn and -fn instead of givenName grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Calm down Guy, go with the flow; think of all these useful switches.
O.K. No more moaning. DSGet is actually fun and productive. Guess what information these switches return?
-email, -tel, -mgr, -mobile
Answers: General (tab), email address, telephone number, Organization (tab), Manager, Telephones (tab), Mobile.
Example 4 - Change the DSget output.
They say the old tricks the best, so let us try exporting the DSGet output not to screen but a text file. Here we need a different type of pipe command; this time it's the greater than symbol, for example, > filename.txt. So, just tag on > filename.txt to your DS command. Follow up with: notepad filename.txt.
Commands:
dsquery user domainroot -name smith*
or
dsquery user -name smith* | dsget user -fn -ln -mgr > dsget.txt
or
dsquery user -name smith* | dsget user -fn -ln -mgr > dsget.txt
Learning Points
Note 1: To read the file type, notepad dsget.txt
Note 2: I am impressed by the column format of the output
I would like to leave you with a few more DSGet object that you can interrogate or experiment with. In addition to user, there are the following DSGet commands : Computer, also Server - meaning DC, OU, Group, even Site and Subnet.
Note. There are also two commands called partition and quota, however, in the context of DSGet, partition and quota refer to Active Directory, not disk. For example, the application partition in Active Directory. Tell the truth, it was a big disappointment that DSGet did not return the disk information, but on reflection I was expecting the impossible. DSGet partition means Active Directory partition.
Summary - DSGet
As far as DSGet is concerned, I have come from Philistine to champion. Now I really enjoy the challenge of DSGet and appreciate the way it works hand in glove with DSQuery. It also reminds of that old truism the more you know the easier it gets.
● What's the difference between LDIFDE and CSVDE? Usage considerations?
CSVDE is a command that can be used to import and export objects to and from the AD into a CSV-formatted file. A CSV (Comma Separated Value) file is a file easily readable in Excel. I will not go to length into this powerful command, but I will show you some basic samples of how to import a large number of users into your AD. Of course, as with the DSADD command, CSVDE can do more than just import users. Consult your help file for more info. Like CSVDE, LDIFDE is a command that can be used to import and export objects to and from the AD into a LDIF-formatted file. A LDIF (LDAP Data Interchange Format) file is a file easily readable in any text editor; however it is not readable in programs like Excel. The major difference between CSVDE and LDIFDE (besides the file format) is the fact that LDIFDE can be used to edit and delete existing AD objects (not just users), while CSVDE can only import and export objects.
● What are the FSMO roles? Who has them by default? What happens when each one fails? *****
Windows 2000/2003 Multi-Master Model
A multi-master enabled database, such as the Active Directory, provides the flexibility of allowing changes to occur at any DC in the enterprise, but it also introduces the possibility of conflicts that can potentially lead to problems once the data is replicated to the rest of the enterprise. One way Windows 2000/2003 deals with conflicting updates is by having a conflict resolution algorithm handle discrepancies in values by resolving to the DC to which changes were written last (that is, "the last writer wins"), while discarding the changes in all other DCs. Although this resolution method may be acceptable in some cases, there are times when conflicts are just too difficult to resolve using the "last writer wins" approach. In such cases, it is best to prevent the conflict from occurring rather than to try to resolve it after the fact.
For certain types of changes, Windows 2000/2003 incorporates methods to prevent conflicting Active Directory updates from occurring.
Windows 2000/2003 Single-Master Model
To prevent conflicting updates in Windows 2000/2003, the Active Directory performs updates to certain objects in a single-master fashion.
In a single-master model, only one DC in the entire directory is allowed to process updates. This is similar to the role given to a primary domain controller (PDC) in earlier versions of Windows (such as Microsoft Windows NT 4.0), in which the PDC is responsible for processing all updates in a given domain.
In a forest, there are five FSMO roles that are assigned to one or more domain controllers. The five FSMO roles are:
Schema Master:
The schema master domain controller controls all updates and modifications to the schema. Once the Schema update is complete, it is replicated from the schema master to all other DCs in the directory. To update the schema of a forest, you must have access to the schema master. There can be only one schema master in the whole forest.
Domain naming master:
The domain naming master domain controller controls the addition or removal of domains in the forest. This DC is the only one that can add or remove a domain from the directory. It can also add or remove cross references to domains in external directories. There can be only one domain naming master in the whole forest.
Infrastructure Master:
When an object in one domain is referenced by another object in another domain, it represents the reference by the GUID, the SID (for references to security principals), and the DN of the object being referenced. The infrastructure FSMO role holder is the DC responsible for updating an object's SID and distinguished name in a cross-domain object reference. At any one time, there can be only one domain controller acting as the infrastructure master in each domain.
Note: The Infrastructure Master (IM) role should be held by a domain controller that is not a Global Catalog server (GC). If the Infrastructure Master runs on a Global Catalog server it will stop updating object information because it does not contain any references to objects that it does not hold. This is because a Global Catalog server holds a partial replica of every object in the forest. As a result, cross-domain object references in that domain will not be updated and a warning to that effect will be logged on that DC's event log. If all the domain controllers in a domain also host the global catalog, all the domain controllers have the current data, and it is not important which domain controller holds the infrastructure master role.
Relative ID (RID) Master:
The RID master is responsible for processing RID pool requests from all domain controllers in a particular domain. When a DC creates a security principal object such as a user or group, it attaches a unique Security ID (SID) to the object. This SID consists of a domain SID (the same for all SIDs created in a domain), and a relative ID (RID) that is unique for each security principal SID created in a domain. Each DC in a domain is allocated a pool of RIDs that it is allowed to assign to the security principals it creates. When a DC's allocated RID pool falls below a threshold, that DC issues a request for additional RIDs to the domain's RID master. The domain RID master responds to the request by retrieving RIDs from the domain's unallocated RID pool and assigns them to the pool of the requesting DC. At any one time, there can be only one domain controller acting as the RID master in the domain.
PDC Emulator:
The PDC emulator is necessary to synchronize time in an enterprise. Windows 2000/2003 includes the W32Time (Windows Time) time service that is required by the Kerberos authentication protocol. All Windows 2000/2003-based computers within an enterprise use a common time. The purpose of the time service is to ensure that the Windows Time service uses a hierarchical relationship that controls authority and does not permit loops to ensure appropriate common time usage.
The PDC emulator of a domain is authoritative for the domain. The PDC emulator at the root of the forest becomes authoritative for the enterprise, and should be configured to gather the time from an external source. All PDC FSMO role holders follow the hierarchy of domains in the selection of their in-bound time partner.
In a Windows 2000/2003 domain, the PDC emulator role holder retains the following functions:
● Password changes performed by other DCs in the domain are replicated preferentially to the PDC emulator.
● Authentication failures that occur at a given DC in a domain because of an incorrect password are forwarded to the PDC emulator before a bad password failure message is reported to the user.
● Account lockout is processed on the PDC emulator.
● Editing or creation of Group Policy Objects (GPO) is always done from the GPO copy found in the PDC Emulator's SYSVOL share, unless configured not to do so by the administrator.
● The PDC emulator performs all of the functionality that a Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Server-based PDC or earlier PDC performs for Windows NT 4.0-based or earlier clients.
This part of the PDC emulator role becomes unnecessary when all workstations, member servers, and domain controllers that are running Windows NT 4.0 or earlier are all upgraded to Windows 2000/2003. The PDC emulator still performs the other functions as described in a Windows 2000/2003 environment.
At any one time, there can be only one domain controller acting as the PDC emulator master in each domain in the forest.
Windows 2000/2003 Active Directory domains utilize a Single Operation Master method called FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operation).
The five FSMO roles are:
● Schema master - Forest-wide and one per forest.
● Domain naming master - Forest-wide and one per forest.
● RID master - Domain-specific and one for each domain.
● PDC - PDC Emulator is domain-specific and one for each domain.
● Infrastructure master - Domain-specific and one for each domain.
In most cases an administrator can keep the FSMO role holders (all 5 of them) in the same spot (or actually, on the same DC) as has been configured by the Active Directory installation process. However, there are scenarios where an administrator would want to move one or more of the FSMO roles from the default holder DC to a different DC.
In order to better understand your AD infrastructure and to know the added value that each DC might possess, an AD administrator must have the exact knowledge of which one of the existing DCs is holding a FSMO role, and what role it holds. With that knowledge in hand, the administrator can make better arrangements in case of a scheduled shut-down of any given DC, and better prepare him or herself in case of a non-scheduled cease of operation from one of the DCs.
How to find out which DC is holding which FSMO role? Well, one can accomplish this task by many means. This article will list a few of the available methods.
Method #1: Know the default settings
The FSMO roles were assigned to one or more DCs during the DCPROMO process. The following table summarizes the FSMO default locations:
| FSMO Role | Number of DCs holding this role | Original DC holding the FSMO role |
| Schema | One per forest | The first DC in the first domain in the forest (i.e. the Forest Root Domain) |
| Domain Naming | One per forest | |
| RID | One per domain | The first DC in a domain (any domain, including the Forest Root Domain, any Tree Root Domain, or any Child Domain) |
| PDC Emulator | One per domain | |
| Infrastructure | One per domain | |
Method #2: Use the GUI
The FSMO role holders can be easily found by use of some of the AD snap-ins. Use this table to see which tool can be used for what FSMO role:
| FSMO Role | Which snap-in should I use? |
| Schema | Schema snap-in |
| Domain Naming | AD Domains and Trusts snap-in |
| RID | AD Users and Computers snap-in |
| PDC Emulator | |
| Infrastructure | |
Finding the RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Masters via GUI
To find out who currently holds the Domain-Specific RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Master FSMO Roles:
1. Open the Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in from the Administrative Tools folder.
2. Right-click the Active Directory Users and Computers icon again and press Operation Masters.
3. Select the appropriate tab for the role you wish to view.
4. When you're done click Close.
Finding the Domain Naming Master via GUI
To find out who currently holds the Domain Naming Master Role:
1. Open the Active Directory Domains and Trusts snap-in from the Administrative Tools folder.
2. Right-click the Active Directory Domains and Trusts icon again and press Operation Masters.
3. When you're done click Close.
Finding the Schema Master via GUI
To find out who currently holds the Schema Master Role:
1. Register the Schmmgmt.dll library by pressing Start > RUN and typing: regsvr32 schmmgmt.dll
2. Press OK. You should receive a success confirmation.
3. From the Run command open an MMC Console by typing MMC.
4. On the Console menu, press Add/Remove Snap-in.
5. Press Add. Select Active Directory Schema.
6. Press Add and press Close. Press OK.
7. Click the Active Directory Schema icon. After it loads right-click it and press Operation Masters.
8. Press the Close button.
Method #3: Use the Ntdsutil command
The FSMO role holders can be easily found by use of the Ntdsutil command.
Caution: Using the Ntdsutil utility incorrectly may result in partial or complete loss of Active Directory functionality.
1. On any domain controller, click Start, click Run, type Ntdsutil in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Type roles, and then press ENTER.
Note: To see a list of available commands at any of the prompts in the Ntdsutil tool, type ?, and then press ENTER.
1. Type connections, and then press ENTER.
2. Type connect to server <servername>, where <servername> is the name of the server you want to use, and then press ENTER.
3. At the server connections: prompt, type q, and then press ENTER again.
4. At the FSMO maintenance: prompt, type Select operation target, and then press ENTER again.
5. At the select operation target: prompt, type List roles for connected server, and then press ENTER again.
6. Type q 3 times to exit the Ntdsutil prompt.
Method #4: Use the Netdom command
The FSMO role holders can be easily found by use of the Netdom command.
Netdom.exe is a part of the Windows 2000/XP/2003 Support Tools. You must either download it separately (from here Download Free Windows 2000 Resource Kit Tools) or by obtaining the correct Support Tools pack for your operating system. The Support Tools pack can be found in the \Support\Tools folder on your installation CD (or you can Download Windows 2000 SP4 Support Tools, Download Windows XP SP1 Deploy Tools).
1. On any domain controller, click Start, click Run, type CMD in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type netdom query /domain:<domain> fsmo (where <domain> is the name of YOUR domain).
Method #5: Use the Replmon tool
The FSMO role holders can be easily found by use of the Netdom command.
Just like Netdom, Replmon.exe is a part of the Windows 2000/XP/2003 Support Tools. Replmon can be used for a wide verity of tasks, mostly with those that are related with AD replication. But Replmon can also provide valuable information about the AD, about any DC, and also about other objects and settings, such as GPOs and FSMO roles. Install the package before attempting to use the tool.
1. On any domain controller, click Start, click Run, type REPLMON in the Open box, and then click OK.
2. Right-click Monitored servers and select Add Monitored Server.
3. In the Add Server to Monitor window, select the Search the Directory for the server to add. Make sure your AD domain name is listed in the drop-down list.
4. In the site list select your site, expand it, and click to select the server you want to query. Click Finish.
5. Right-click the server that is now listed in the left-pane, and select Properties.
6. Click on the FSMO Roles tab and read the results.
7. Click Ok when you're done.
● What FSMO placement considerations do you know of?
Windows 2000/2003 Active Directory domains utilize a Single Operation Master method called FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operation), as described in Understanding FSMO Roles in Active Directory.
In most cases an administrator can keep the FSMO role holders (all 5 of them) in the same spot (or actually, on the same DC) as has been configured by the Active Directory installation process. However, there are scenarios where an administrator would want to move one or more of the FSMO roles from the default holder DC to a different DC.
Windows Server 2003 Active Directory is a bit different than the Windows 2000 version when dealing with FSMO placement. In this article I will only deal with Windows Server 2003 Active Directory, but you should bear in mind that most considerations are also true when planning Windows 2000 AD FSMO roles.
Single Domain Forest
In a single domain forest, leave all of the FSMO roles on the first domain controller in the forest.
You should also configure all the domain controller as a Global Catalog servers. This will NOT place additional stress on the DCs, while allowing GC-related applications (such as Exchange Server) to easily perform GC queries.
Multiple Domain Forest
In a multiple domain forest, use the following guidelines:
● In the forest root domain:
● If all domain controllers are also global catalog servers, leave all of the FSMO roles on the first DC in the forest.
● If all domain controllers are not also global catalog servers, move all of the FSMO roles to a DC that is not a global catalog server.
● In each child domain, leave the PDC emulator, RID master, and Infrastructure master roles on the first DC in the domain, and ensure that this DC is never designated as a global catalog server (unless the child domain only contains one DC, then you have no choice but to leave it in place).
Configure a standby operations master - For each server that holds one or more operations master roles, make another DC in the same domain available as a standby operations master. Making a DC as a standby operation master involves the following actions:
● The standby operations master should not be a global catalog server except in a single domain environment, where all domain controllers are also global catalog servers.
● The standby operations master should have a manually created replication connection to the domain controller that it is the standby operations master for, and it should be in the same site.
● Configure the RID master as a direct replication partner with the standby or backup RID master. This configuration reduces the risk of losing data when you seize the role because it minimizes replication latency.
To create a connection object on the current operations master:
1. In Active Directory Sites and Services snap-in, in the console tree in the left pane, expand the Sites folder to see the list of available sites.
2. Expand the site name in which the current role holder is located to display the Servers folder.
3. Expand the Servers folder to see a list of the servers in that site.
4. Expand the name of the server that is currently hosting the operations master role to display NTDS Settings.
5. Right-click NTDS Settings, click New, and then click Connection.
6. In the Find Domain Controllers dialog box, select the name of the standby operations master then click OK.
7. In the New Object-Connection dialog box, enter an appropriate name for the connection object or accept the default name and click OK.
To create a connection object on the standby operations master perform the same procedure as above, and point the connection to the current FSMO role holder.
Note regarding Windows 2000 Active Directory domains: If the forest is set to a functional level of Windows 2000 native, you must locate the domain naming master on a server that hosts the global catalog. If the forest is set to a functional level of Windows Server 2003, it is not necessary for the domain naming master to be on a global catalog server.
Server performance and availability
Most FSMO roles require that the domain controller that holds the roles be:
Highly available server - FSMO functions require that the FSMO role holder is highly available at all times. A highly available DC is one that uses computer hardware that enables it to remain operational even during a hardware failure. For example, having a RAID1 or RAID5 configuration enables the server to keep running even if one hard disk fails.
Although most FSMO losses can be dealt with within a matter of hours (or even days at some cases), some FSMO roles, such as the PDC Emulator role, should never be offline for more than a few minutes at a time.
What will happen if you keep a FSMO role offline for a long period of time? This table has the info:
| FSMO Role | Loss implications |
| Schema | The schema cannot be extended. However, in the short term no one will notice a missing Schema Master unless you plan a schema upgrade during that time. |
| Domain Naming | Unless you are going to run DCPROMO, then you will not miss this FSMO role. |
| RID | Chances are good that the existing DCs will have enough unused RIDs to last some time, unless you're building hundreds of users or computer object per week. |
| PDC Emulator | Will be missed soon. NT 4.0 BDCs will not be able to replicate, there will be no time synchronization in the domain, you will probably not be able to change or troubleshoot group policies and password changes will become a problem. |
| Infrastructure | Group memberships may be incomplete. If you only have one domain, then there will be no impact. |
Not necessarily high capacity server - A high-capacity domain controller is one that has comparatively higher processing power than other domain controllers to accommodate the additional work load of holding the operations master role. It has a faster CPU and possibly additional memory and network bandwidth. FSMO roles usually do not place stress on the server's hardware.
One exception is the performance of the PDC Emulator, mainly when used in Windows 2000 Mixed mode along with old NT 4.0 BDCs. That is why you should:
● Increase the size of the DC's processing power.
● Do not make the DC a global catalog server.
● Reduce the priority and the weight of the service (SRV) record in DNS to give preference for authentication to other domain controllers in the site.
● Do not require that the standby domain controller be a direct replication partner (Seizing the PDC emulator role does not result in lost data, so there is no need to reduce replication latency for a seize operation).
● Centrally locate this DC near the majority of the domain users.
● I want to look at the RID allocation table for a DC. What do I do?
● What's the difference between transferring a FSMO role and seizing one?
Transferring FSMO Role
Windows 2000/2003 Active Directory domains utilize a Single Operation Master method called FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operation), as described in Understanding FSMO Roles in Active Directory.
In most cases an administrator can keep the FSMO role holders (all 5 of them) in the same spot (or actually, on the same DC) as has been configured by the Active Directory installation process. However, there are scenarios where an administrator would want to move one or more of the FSMO roles from the default holder DC to a different DC.
Moving the FSMO roles while both the original FSMO role holder and the future FSMO role holder are online and operational is called Transferring, and is described in this article.
The transfer of an FSMO role is the suggested form of moving a FSMO role between domain controllers and can be initiated by the administrator or by demoting a domain controller. However, the transfer process is not initiated automatically by the operating system, for example a server in a shut-down state. FSMO roles are not automatically relocated during the shutdown process - this must be considered when shutting down a domain controller that has an FSMO role for maintenance, for example.
In a graceful transfer of an FSMO role between two domain controllers, a synchronization of the data that is maintained by the FSMO role owner to the server receiving the FSMO role is performed prior to transferring the role to ensure that any changes have been recorded before the role change.
However, when the original FSMO role holder went offline or became non operational for a long period of time, the administrator might consider moving the FSMO role from the original, non-operational holder, to a different DC. The process of moving the FSMO role from a non-operational role holder to a different DC is called Seizing, and is described in the Seizing FSMO Roles article.
You can transfer FSMO roles by using the Ntdsutil.exe command-line utility or by using an MMC snap-in tool. Depending on the FSMO role that you want to transfer, you can use one of the following three MMC snap-in tools:
● Active Directory Schema snap-in
● Active Directory Domains and Trusts snap-in
● Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in
To transfer the FSMO role the administrator must be a member of the following group:
| FSMO Role | Administrator must be a member of |
| Schema | Schema Admins |
| Domain Naming | Enterprise Admins |
| RID | Domain Admins |
| PDC Emulator | |
| Infrastructure | |
Transferring the RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Masters via GUI
To Transfer the Domain-Specific RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Master FSMO Roles:
1. Open the Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in from the Administrative Tools folder.
2. If you are NOT logged onto the target domain controller, in the snap-in, right-click the icon next to Active Directory Users and Computers and press Connect to Domain Controller.
3. Select the domain controller that will be the new role holder, the target, and press OK.
4. Right-click the Active Directory Users and Computers icon again and press Operation Masters.
5. Select the appropriate tab for the role you wish to transfer and press the Change button.
6. Press OK to confirm the change.
7. Press OK all the way out.
Transferring the Domain Naming Master via GUI
To Transfer the Domain Naming Master Role:
1. Open the Active Directory Domains and Trusts snap-in from the Administrative Tools folder.
2. If you are NOT logged onto the target domain controller, in the snap-in, right-click the icon next to Active Directory Domains and Trusts and press Connect to Domain Controller.
3. Select the domain controller that will be the new role holder and press OK.
4. Right-click the Active Directory Domains and Trusts icon again and press Operation Masters.
5. Press the Change button.
6. Press OK to confirm the change.
7. Press OK all the way out.
Transferring the Schema Master via GUI
To Transfer the Schema Master Role:
1. Register the Schmmgmt.dll library by pressing Start > RUN and typing:
1. Press OK. You should receive a success confirmation.
2. From the Run command open an MMC Console by typing MMC.
3. On the Console menu, press Add/Remove Snap-in.
4. Press Add. Select Active Directory Schema.
5. Press Add and press Close. Press OK.
6. If you are NOT logged onto the target domain controller, in the snap-in, right-click the Active Directory Schema icon in the Console Root and press Change Domain Controller.
7. Press Specify .... and type the name of the new role holder. Press OK.
8. Right-click right-click the Active Directory Schema icon again and press Operation Masters.
9. Press the Change button.
10. Press OK all the way out.
Transferring the FSMO Roles via Ntdsutil
To transfer the FSMO roles from the Ntdsutil command:
Caution: Using the Ntdsutil utility incorrectly may result in partial or complete loss of Active Directory functionality.
1. On any domain controller, click Start, click Run, type Ntdsutil in the Open box, and then click OK.
1. Type roles, and then press ENTER.
Note: To see a list of available commands at any of the prompts in the Ntdsutil tool, type ?, and then press ENTER.
1. Type connections, and then press ENTER.
2. Type connect to server <servername>, where <servername> is the name of the server you want to use, and then press ENTER.
1. At the server connections: prompt, type q, and then press ENTER again.
1. Type transfer <role>. where <role> is the role you want to transfer.
For example, to transfer the RID Master role, you would type transfer rid master:
Options are:
1. You will receive a warning window asking if you want to perform the transfer. Click on Yes.
2. After you transfer the roles, type q and press ENTER until you quit Ntdsutil.exe.
3. Restart the server and make sure you update your backup.
Seizing the FSMO ROLES.
Windows 2000/2003 Active Directory domains utilize a Single Operation Master method called FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operation).
The five FSMO roles are:
● Schema master - Forest-wide and one per forest.
● Domain naming master - Forest-wide and one per forest.
● RID master - Domain-specific and one for each domain.
● PDC - PDC Emulator is domain-specific and one for each domain.
● Infrastructure master - Domain-specific and one for each domain.
In most cases an administrator can keep the FSMO role holders (all 5 of them) in the same spot (or actually, on the same DC) as has been configured by the Active Directory installation process. However, there are scenarios where an administrator would want to move one or more of the FSMO roles from the default holder DC to a different DC.
Moving the FSMO roles while both the original FSMO role holder and the future FSMO role holder are online and operational is called Transferring, and is described in the Transferring FSMO Roles article.
However, when the original FSMO role holder went offline or became non operational for a long period of time, the administrator might consider moving the FSMO role from the original, non-operational holder, to a different DC. The process of moving the FSMO role from a non-operational role holder to a different DC is called Seizing, and is described in this article.
If a DC holding a FSMO role fails, the best thing to do is to try and get the server online again. Since none of the FSMO roles are immediately critical (well, almost none, the loss of the PDC Emulator FSMO role might become a problem unless you fix it in a reasonable amount of time), so it is not a problem to them to be unavailable for hours or even days.
If a DC becomes unreliable, try to get it back on line, and transfer the FSMO roles to a reliable computer. Administrators should use extreme caution in seizing FSMO roles. This operation, in most cases, should be performed only if the original FSMO role owner will not be brought back into the environment. Only seize a FSMO role if absolutely necessary when the original role holder is not connected to the network.
What will happen if you do not perform the seize in time? This table has the info:
| FSMO Role | Loss implications |
| Schema | The schema cannot be extended. However, in the short term no one will notice a missing Schema Master unless you plan a schema upgrade during that time. |
| Domain Naming | Unless you are going to run DCPROMO, then you will not miss this FSMO role. |
| RID | Chances are good that the existing DCs will have enough unused RIDs to last some time, unless you're building hundreds of users or computer object per week. |
| PDC Emulator | Will be missed soon. NT 4.0 BDCs will not be able to replicate, there will be no time synchronization in the domain, you will probably not be able to change or troubleshoot group policies and password changes will become a problem. |
| Infrastructure | Group memberships may be incomplete. If you only have one domain, then there will be no impact. |
Important: If the RID, Schema, or Domain Naming FSMOs are seized, then the original domain controller must not be activated in the forest again. It is necessary to reinstall Windows if these servers are to be used again.
The following table summarizes the FSMO seizing restrictions:
| FSMO Role | Restrictions |
| Schema | Original must be reinstalled |
| Domain Naming | |
| RID | |
| PDC Emulator | Can transfer back to original |
| Infrastructure | |
Another consideration before performing the seize operation is the administrator's group membership, as this table lists:
| FSMO Role | Administrator must be a member of |
| Schema | Schema Admins |
| Domain Naming | Enterprise Admins |
| RID | Domain Admins |
| PDC Emulator | |
| Infrastructure | |
To seize the FSMO roles by using Ntdsutil, follow these steps:
Caution: Using the Ntdsutil utility incorrectly may result in partial or complete loss of Active Directory functionality.
1. On any domain controller, click Start, click Run, type Ntdsutil in the Open box, and then click OK.
C:\WINDOWS>ntdsutil
2. Type roles, and then press ENTER.
ntdsutil: roles
fsmo maintenance:
Note: To see a list of available commands at any of the prompts in the Ntdsutil tool, type ?, and then press ENTER.
1. Type connections, and then press ENTER.
fsmo maintenance: connections
server connections:
2. Type connect to server <servername>, where <servername> is the name of the server you want to use, and then press ENTER.
server connections: connect to server server100
Binding to server100 ...
Connected to server100 using credentials of locally logged on user.
Server connections:
1. At the server connections: prompt, type q, and then press ENTER again.
server connections: q
fsmo maintenance:
2. Type seize <role>, where <role> is the role you want to seize. For example, to seize the RID Master role, you would type seize rid master:
Options are:
Seize domain naming master
Seize infrastructure master
Seize PDC
Seize RID master
Seize schema master
7. You will receive a warning window asking if you want to perform the seize. Click on Yes.
fsmo maintenance: Seize infrastructure master
Attempting safe transfer of infrastructure FSMO before seizure.
ldap_modify_sW error 0x34(52 (Unavailable).
Ldap extended error message is 000020AF: SvcErr: DSID-03210300, problem 5002 (UNAVAILABLE)
, data 1722
Win32 error returned is 0x20af(The requested FSMO operation failed. The current FSMO holde
r could not be contacted.)
)
Depending on the error code this may indicate a connection,
ldap, or role transfer error.
Transfer of infrastructure FSMO failed, proceeding with seizure ...
Server "server100" knows about 5 roles
Schema - CN=NTDS Settings,CN=SERVER200,CN=Servers,CN=Default-First-Site-Name,CN=Sites,CN=Configuration,DC=dpetri,DC=net
Domain - CN=NTDS Settings,CN=SERVER100,CN=Servers,CN=Default-First-Site-Name,CN=Sites,CN=Configuration,DC=dpetri,DC=net
PDC - CN=NTDS Settings,CN=SERVER100,CN=Servers,CN=Default-First-Site-Name,CN=Sites,CN=Configuration,DC=dpetri,DC=net
RID - CN=NTDS Settings,CN=SERVER200,CN=Servers,CN=Default-First-Site-Name,CN=Sites,CN=Configuration,DC=dpetri,DC=net
Infrastructure - CN=NTDS Settings,CN=SERVER100,CN=Servers,CN=Default-First-Site-Name,CN=Sites,CN=Configuration,DC=dpetri,DC=net
fsmo maintenance:
Note: All five roles need to be in the forest. If the first domain controller is out of the forest then seize all roles. Determine which roles are to be on which remaining domain controllers so that all five roles are not on only one server.
1. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you've seized all the required FSMO roles.
2. After you seize or transfer the roles, type q, and then press ENTER until you quit the Ntdsutil tool.
Note: Do not put the Infrastructure Master (IM) role on the same domain controller as the Global Catalog server. If the Infrastructure Master runs on a GC server it will stop updating object information because it does not contain any references to objects that it does not hold. This is because a GC server holds a partial replica of every object in the forest.
Better look of this answer can be found at
http://www.petri.co.il/seizing_fsmo_roles.htm
● Which FSMO role should you NOT seize? Why?
● How do you configure a "stand-by operation master" for any of the roles?
● How do you backup AD?
● How do you restore AD?
● How do you change the DS Restore admin password?
● Why can't you restore a DC that was backed up 4 months ago?
● What are GPOs?
● What is the order in which GPOs are applied?
● Name a few benefits of using GPMC.
● What are the GPC and the GPT? Where can I find them?
● What are GPO links? What special things can I do to them?
● What can I do to prevent inheritance from above?
● How can I override blocking of inheritance?
● How can you determine what GPO was and was not applied for a user? Name a few ways to do that.
● A user claims he did not receive a GPO, yet his user and computer accounts are in the right OU, and everyone else there gets the GPO. What will you look for?
● Name a few differences in Vista GPOs
● Name some GPO settings in the computer and user parts.
● What are administrative templates?
● What's the difference between software publishing and assigning?
● Can I deploy non-MSI software with GPO?
● You want to standardize the desktop environments (wallpaper, My Documents, Start menu, printers etc.) on the computers in one department. How would you do that?
What’s the difference between local, global and universal groups?
Domain local groups assign access permissions to global domain groups for local domain resources. Global groups provide access to resources in other trusted domains. Universal groups grant access to resources in all trusted domains.
I am trying to create a new universal user group. Why can’t I?
Universal groups are allowed only in native-mode Windows Server 2003 environments. Native mode requires that all domain controllers be promoted to Windows Server 2003 Active Directory.
What is LSDOU?
It’s group policy inheritance model, where the policies are applied to Local machines, Sites, Domains and Organizational Units.
Why doesn’t LSDOU work under Windows NT?
If the NTConfig.pol file exist, it has the highest priority among the numerous policies.
Where are group policies stored?
%SystemRoot%System32\GroupPolicy
What is GPT and GPC?
Group policy template and group policy container.
Where is GPT stored?
%SystemRoot%\SYSVOL\sysvol\domainname\Policies\GUID
You change the group policies, and now the computer and user settings are in conflict. Which one has the highest priority?
The computer settings take priority.
You want to set up remote installation procedure, but do not want the user to gain access over it. What do you do?
gponame–> User Configuration–> Windows Settings–> Remote Installation Services–> Choice Options is your friend.
What’s contained in administrative template conf.adm?
Microsoft NetMeeting policies
How can you restrict running certain applications on a machine?
Via group policy, security settings for the group, then Software Restriction Policies.
You need to automatically install an app, but MSI file is not available. What do you do?
A .zap text file can be used to add applications using the Software Installer, rather than the Windows Installer.
What’s the difference between Software Installer and Windows Installer?
The former has fewer privileges and will probably require user intervention. Plus, it uses .zap files.
What can be restricted on Windows Server 2003 that wasn’t there in previous products?
Group Policy in Windows Server 2003 determines a users right to modify network and dial-up TCP/IP properties. Users may be selectively restricted from modifying their IP address and other network configuration parameters.
How frequently is the client policy refreshed?
90 minutes give or take.
Where is secedit?
It’s now gpupdate.
You want to create a new group policy but do not wish to inherit. Make sure you check Block inheritance among the options when creating the policy.
What is "tattooing" the Registry?
The user can view and modify user preferences that are not stored in maintained portions of the Registry. If the group policy is removed or changed, the user preference will persist in the Registry.
How do you fight tattooing in NT/2000 installations?
You can’t.
How do you fight tattooing in 2003 installations?
User Configuration - Administrative Templates - System - Group Policy - enable - Enforce Show Policies Only.
What does IntelliMirror do?
It helps to reconcile desktop settings, applications, and stored files for users, particularly those who move between workstations or those who must periodically work offline.
What’s the major difference between FAT and NTFS on a local machine?
FAT and FAT32 provide no security over locally logged-on users. Only native NTFS provides extensive permission control on both remote and local files.
How do FAT and NTFS differ in approach to user shares?
They don’t, both have support for sharing.
Explan the List Folder Contents permission on the folder in NTFS.
Same as Read & Execute, but not inherited by files within a folder. However, newly created subfolders will inherit this permission.
I have a file to which the user has access, but he has no folder permission to read it. Can he access it?
It is possible for a user to navigate to a file for which he does not have folder permission. This involves simply knowing the path of the file object. Even if the user can’t drill down the file/folder tree using My Computer, he can still gain access to the file using the Universal Naming Convention (UNC). The best way to start would be to type the full path of a file into Run… window.
For a user in several groups, are Allow permissions restrictive or permissive?
Permissive, if at least one group has Allow permission for the file/folder, user will have the same permission.
For a user in several groups, are Deny permissions restrictive or permissive?
Restrictive, if at least one group has Deny permission for the file/folder, user will be denied access, regardless of other group permissions.
What hidden shares exist on Windows Server 2003 installation?
Admin$, Drive$, IPC$, NETLOGON, print$ and SYSVOL.
What’s the difference between standalone and fault-tolerant DFS (Distributed File System) installations?
The standalone server stores the Dfs directory tree structure or topology locally. Thus, if a shared folder is inaccessible or if the Dfs root server is down, users are left with no link to the shared resources. A fault-tolerant root node stores the Dfs topology in the Active Directory, which is replicated to other domain controllers. Thus, redundant root nodes may include multiple connections to the same data residing in different shared folders.
We’re using the DFS fault-tolerant installation, but cannot access it from a Win98 box. Use the UNC path, not client, only 2000 and 2003 clients can access Server 2003 fault-tolerant shares.
Where exactly do fault-tolerant DFS shares store information in Active Directory?
In Partition Knowledge Table, which is then replicated to other domain controllers.
Can you use Start->Search with DFS shares?
Yes.
What problems can you have with DFS installed?
Two users opening the redundant copies of the file at the same time, with no file-locking involved in DFS, changing the contents and then saving. Only one file will be propagated through DFS.
I run Microsoft Cluster Server and cannot install fault-tolerant DFS. Yeah, you can’t. Install a standalone one.
Is Kerberos encryption symmetric or asymmetric?
Symmetric.
How does Windows 2003 Server try to prevent a middle-man attack on encrypted line?
Time stamp is attached to the initial client request, encrypted with the shared key.
What hashing algorithms are used in Windows 2003 Server?
RSA Data Security’s Message Digest 5 (MD5), produces a 128-bit hash, and the Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (SHA-1), produces a 160-bit hash.
What third-party certificate exchange protocols are used by Windows 2003 Server?
Windows Server 2003 uses the industry standard PKCS-10 certificate request and PKCS-7 certificate response to exchange CA certificates with third-party certificate authorities.
What’s the number of permitted unsuccessful logons on Administrator account? Unlimited. Remember, though, that it’s the Administrator account, not any account that’s part of the Administrators group.
If hashing is one-way function and Windows Server uses hashing for storing passwords, how is it possible to attack the password lists, specifically the ones using NTLMv1?
A cracker would launch a dictionary attack by hashing every imaginable term used for password and then compare the hashes.
What’s the difference between guest accounts in Server 2003 and other editions?
More restrictive in Windows Server 2003.
How many passwords by default are remembered when you check "Enforce Password History Remembered"?
User’s last 6 passwords.
Describe how the DHCP lease is obtained?
It’s a four-step process consisting of (a) IP request, (b) IP offer, © IP selection and (d) acknowledgement.
It’s a four-step process consisting of (a) IP request, (b) IP offer, © IP selection and (d) acknowledgement.
I can’t seem to access the Internet, don’t have any access to the corporate network and on ipconfig my address is 169.254.*.*. What happened?
The 169.254.*.* netmask is assigned to Windows machines running 98/2000/XP if the DHCP server is not available. The name for the technology is APIPA (Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing).
The 169.254.*.* netmask is assigned to Windows machines running 98/2000/XP if the DHCP server is not available. The name for the technology is APIPA (Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing).
We’ve installed a new Windows-based DHCP server, however, the users do not seem to be getting DHCP leases off of it? The server must be authorized first with the Active Directory.
How do you double-boot a Win 2003 server box?
The Boot.ini file is set as read-only, system, and hidden to prevent unwanted editing. To change the Boot.ini timeout and default settings, use the System option in Control Panel from the Advanced tab and select Startup.
What do you do if earlier application doesn’t run on Windows Server 2003? When an application that ran on an earlier legacy version of Windows cannot be loaded during the setup function or if it later malfunctions, you must run the compatibility mode function. This is accomplished by right-clicking the application or setup program and selecting Properties –> Compatibility –> selecting the previously supported operating system.
What snap-in administrative tools are available for Active Directory? Active Directory Domains and Trusts Manager, Active Directory Sites and Services Manager, Active Directory Users and Group Manager, Active Directory Replication (optional, available from the Resource Kit), Active Directory Schema Manager (optional, available from adminpak)
What types of classes exist in Windows Server 2003 Active Directory? Structural class. The structural class is important to the system administrator in that it is the only type from which new Active Directory objects are created. Structural classes are developed from either the modification of an existing structural type or the use of one or more abstract classes.
What is presentation layer responsible for in the OSI model? The presentation layer establishes the data format prior to passing it along to the network application’s interface. TCP/IP networks perform this task at the application layer.
Does Windows Server 2003 support IPv6?
Yes, run ipv6.exe from command line to disable it.
Can Windows Server 2003 function as a bridge?
Yes, and it’s a new feature for the 2003 product. You can combine several networks and devices connected via several adapters by enabling IP routing.
What’s the role of http.sys in IIS? It is the point of contact for all incoming HTTP requests. It listens for requests and queues them until they are all processed, no more queues are available, or the Web server is shut down.
Where’s ASP cache located on IIS 6.0? On disk, as opposed to memory, as it used to be in IIS 5.
What is socket pooling? Non-blocking socket usage, introduced in IIS 6.0. More than one application can use a given socket.
Which characters should be enclosed in quotes when searching the index? &, @, $, #, ^, ( ), and |.
How would you search for C++? Just enter C++, since + is not a special character (and neither is C).
What about Barnes&Noble? Should be searched for as Barnes’&’Noble.
Are the searches case-sensitive? No.
What’s the order of precedence of Boolean operators in Microsoft Windows 2003 Server Indexing Service? NOT, AND, NEAR, OR.
How many group policies can be applied to an OU?
How many objects can be created in a Directory Partition?
In Active Directory Replication, which FSMO roles is participating in replication.?
A Case:
A Min DC (Windows 2003) & A BDC (windows 2000 Server) when the time of replication, All partition will replicated, but what about "Applicatoin Partition in main DC".?
A Case:
A Min DC (Windows 2003) & A BDC (windows 2000 Server) when the time of replication, All partition will replicated, but what about "Applicatoin Partition in main DC".?
What is Active Directory schema?
The Active Directory schema contains formal definitions of every object class that can be created in an Active Directory forest it also contains formal definitions of every attribute that can exist in an Active Directory object.
Active Directory stores and retrieves information from a wide variety of applications and services.
Active Directory stores and retrieves information from a wide variety of applications and services.
What is Global Catalog Server?
A global catalog server is a domain controller it is a master searchable database that contains information about every object in every domain in a forest. The global catalog contains a complete replica of all objects in Active Directory for its host domain, and contains a partial replica of all objects in Active Directory for every other domain in the forest. It have two important functions:
● Provides group membership information during logon and authentication
● Helps users locate resources in Active Directory
What is the ntds.tit file default size?
40 MB
What are the standard port numbers for SMTP, POP3, IMAP4, RPC, LDAP and Global Catalog?
SMTP – 25, POP3 – 110, IMAP4 – 143, RPC – 135, LDAP – 389, Global Catalog - 3268
What is a default gateway?
The exit-point from one network and entry-way into another network, often the router of the network.
How do you set a default route on an Cisco router?
ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 x.x.x.x [where x.x.x.x represents the destination address]
Describe the lease process of the DHCP server. DHCP Server leases the IP addresses to the clients as follows:
DORA
D (Discover) : DHCP Client sends a broadcast packets to identify the dhcp server, this packet will contain the source MAC.
O (Offer) : Once the packet is received by the DHCP server, the server will send the packet containing Source IP and Source MAC.
R (Request) : Client will now contact the DHCP server directly and request for the IP address.
A (Acknowledge) : DHCP server will send an ack packet which contains the IP address.
DORA
D (Discover) : DHCP Client sends a broadcast packets to identify the dhcp server, this packet will contain the source MAC.
O (Offer) : Once the packet is received by the DHCP server, the server will send the packet containing Source IP and Source MAC.
R (Request) : Client will now contact the DHCP server directly and request for the IP address.
A (Acknowledge) : DHCP server will send an ack packet which contains the IP address.
What is IPv6? Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is a network layer IP standard used by electronic devices to exchange data across a packet-switched internetwork. It follows IPv4 as the second version of the Internet Protocol to be formally adopted for general use. ip v6 it is a 128 bit size address. This is total 8 octants each octant size is 16 bits separated with “:”, it is in hexa decimal format. These 3 types:
1. unicast address
2. multicast address
3. anycast address
loopback address of ip v6 is ::1
How do you double-boot a Win 2003 server box?
The Boot.ini file is set as read-only, system, and hidden to prevent unwanted editing. To change the Boot.ini timeout and default settings, use the System option in Control Panel from the Advanced tab and select Startup.
What do you do if earlier application doesn’t run on Windows Server 2003?
When an application that ran on an earlier legacy version of Windows cannot be loaded during the setup function or if it later malfunctions, you must run the compatibility mode function. This is accomplished by right-clicking the application or setup program and selecting Properties –> Compatibility –> selecting the previously supported operating system.
If you uninstall Windows Server 2003, which operating systems can you revert to?
Win ME, Win 98, 2000, XP. Note, however, that you cannot upgrade from ME and 98 to Windows Server 2003.
How do you get to Internet Firewall settings?
Start –> Control Panel –> Network and Internet Connections –> Network Connections.
What are the Windows Server 2003 keyboard shortcuts?
Winkey opens or closes the Start menu. Winkey + BREAK displays the System Properties dialog box. Winkey + TAB moves the focus to the next application in the taskbar. Winkey + SHIFT + TAB moves the focus to the previous application in the taskbar. Winkey + B moves the focus to the notification area. Winkey + D shows the desktop. Winkey + E opens Windows Explorer showing My Computer. Winkey + F opens the Search panel. Winkey + CTRL + F opens the Search panel with Search for Computers module selected. Winkey + F1 opens Help. Winkey + M minimizes all. Winkey + SHIFT+ M undoes minimization. Winkey + R opens Run dialog. Winkey + U opens the Utility Manager. Winkey + L locks the computer.
What is Active Directory?
Active Directory is a network-based object store and service that locates and manages resources, and makes these resources available to authorized users and groups. An underlying principle of the Active Directory is that everything is considered an object—people, servers, workstations, printers, documents, and devices. Each object has certain attributes and its own security access control list (ACL).
Where are the Windows NT Primary Domain Controller (PDC) and its Backup Domain Controller (BDC) in Server 2003?
The Active Directory replaces them. Now all domain controllers share a multimaster peer-to-peer read and write relationship that hosts copies of the Active Directory.
How long does it take for security changes to be replicated among the domain controllers?
Security-related modifications are replicated within a site immediately. These changes include account and individual user lockout policies, changes to password policies, changes to computer account passwords, and modifications to the Local Security Authority (LSA).
What’s new in Windows Server 2003 regarding the DNS management?
When DC promotion occurs with an existing forest, the Active Directory Installation Wizard contacts an existing DC to update the directory and replicate from the DC the required portions of the directory. If the wizard fails to locate a DC, it performs debugging and reports what caused the failure and how to fix the problem. In order to be located on a network, every DC must register in DNS DC locator DNS records. The Active Directory Installation Wizard verifies a proper configuration of the DNS infrastructure. All DNS configuration debugging and reporting activity is done with the Active Directory Installation Wizard.
When should you create a forest?
Organizations that operate on radically different bases may require separate trees with distinct namespaces. Unique trade or brand names often give rise to separate DNS identities. Organizations merge or are acquired and naming continuity is desired. Organizations form partnerships and joint ventures. While access to common resources is desired, a separately defined tree can enforce more direct administrative and security restrictions.
How can you authenticate between forests?
Four types of authentication are used across forests: (1) Kerberos and NTLM network logon for remote access to a server in another forest; (2) Kerberos and NTLM interactive logon for physical logon outside the user’s home forest; (3) Kerberos delegation to N-tier application in another forest; and (4) user principal name (UPN) credentials.
What snap-in administrative tools are available for Active Directory?
Active Directory Domains and Trusts Manager, Active Directory Sites and Services Manager, Active Directory Users and Group Manager, Active Directory Replication (optional, available from the Resource Kit), Active Directory Schema Manager (optional, available from adminpak)
What types of classes exist in Windows Server 2003 Active Directory? Structural class. The structural class is important to the system administrator in that it is the only type from which new Active Directory objects are created. Structural classes are developed from either the modification of an existing structural type or the use of one or more abstract classes.
Abstract class. Abstract classes are so named because they take the form of templates that actually create other templates (abstracts) and structural and auxiliary classes. Think of abstract classes as frameworks for the defining objects.
Auxiliary class. The auxiliary class is a list of attributes. Rather than apply numerous attributes when creating a structural class, it provides a streamlined alternative by applying a combination of attributes with a single include action.
88 class. The 88 class includes object classes defined prior to 1993, when the 1988 X.500 specification was adopted. This type does not use the structural, abstract, and auxiliary definitions, nor is it in common use for the development of objects in Windows Server 2003 environments.
How do you delete a lingering object?
Windows Server 2003 provides a command called Repadmin that provides the ability to delete lingering objects in the Active Directory.
What is Global Catalog?
The Global Catalog authenticates network user logons and fields inquiries about objects across a forest or tree. Every domain has at least one GC that is hosted on a domain controller. In Windows 2000, there was typically one GC on every site in order to prevent user logon failures across the network.
How is user account security established in Windows Server 2003?
When an account is created, it is given a unique access number known as a security identifier (SID). Every group to which the user belongs has an associated SID. The user and related group SIDs together form the user account’s security token, which determines access levels to objects throughout the system and network. SIDs from the security token are mapped to the access control list (ACL) of any object the user attempts to access.
If I delete a user and then create a new account with the same username and password, would the SID and permissions stay the same?
No. If you delete a user account and attempt to recreate it with the same user name and password, the SID will be different.
What do you do with secure sign-ons in an organization with many roaming users?
Credential Management feature of Windows Server 2003 provides a consistent single sign-on experience for users. This can be useful for roaming users who move between computer systems. The Credential Management feature provides a secure store of user credentials that includes passwords and X.509 certificates.
Anything special you should do when adding a user that has a Mac?
"Save password as encrypted clear text" must be selected on User Properties Account Tab Options, since the Macs only store their passwords that way.
What remote access options does Windows Server 2003 support?
Dial-in, VPN, dial-in with callback.
Where are the documents and settings for the roaming profile stored?
All the documents and environmental settings for the roaming user are stored locally on the system, and, when the user logs off, all changes to the locally stored profile are copied to the shared server folder. Therefore, the first time a roaming user logs on to a new system the logon process may take some time, depending on how large his profile folder is.
Where are the settings for all the users stored on a given machine?
\Document and Settings\All Users
What languages can you use for log-on scripts?
JavaScipt, VBScript, DOS batch files (.com, .bat, or even .exe)
| What are the differences between a site-to-site VPN and a VPN client connecting to a VPN server? What protocols are used for these? |
>
| EXPERT RESPONSE  Site-to-site VPNs connect entire networks to each other -- for example, connecting a branch office network to a company headquarters network. In a site-to-site VPN, hosts do not have VPN client software; they send and receive normal TCP/IP traffic through a VPN gateway. The VPN gateway is responsible for encapsulating and encrypting outbound traffic, sending it through a VPN tunnel over the Internet, to a peer VPN gateway at the target site. Upon receipt, the peer VPN gateway strips the headers, decrypts the content, and relays the packet towards the target host inside its private network. Remote access VPNs connect individual hosts to private networks -- for example, travelers and teleworkers who need to access their company's network securely over the Internet. In a remote access VPN, every host must have VPN client software (more on this in a minute). Whenever the host tries to send any traffic, the VPN client software encapsulates and encrypts that traffic before sending it over the Internet to the VPN gateway at the edge of the target network. Upon receipt, that VPN gateway behaves as described above for site-to-site VPNs. If the target host inside the private network returns a response, the VPN gateway performs the reverse process to send an encrypted response back to the VPN client over the Internet. The most common secure tunneling protocol used in site-to-site VPNs is the IPsec Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), an extension to the standard IP protocol used by the Internet and most corporate networks today. Most routers and firewalls now support IPsec and so can be used as a VPN gateway for the private network behind them. Another site-to-site VPN protocol is Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), although MPLS does not provide encryption. Remote access VPN protocols are more varied. The Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) has been included in every Windows operating system since Windows 95. The Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) over IPsec is present in Windows 2000 and XP and is more secure than PPTP. Many VPN gateways use IPsec alone (without L2TP) to deliver remote access VPN services. All of these approaches require VPN client software on every host, and a VPN gateway that supports the same protocol and options/extensions for remote access. Over the past few years, many vendors have released secure remote access products that use SSL and ordinary web browsers as an alternative to IPsec/L2TP/PPTP VPNs. These "SSL VPNs" are often referred to as "clientless," but it is more accurate to say that they use web browsers as VPN clients, usually in combination with dynamically-downloaded software (Java applet, ActiveX control, or temporary Win32 program that is removed when the session ends). Also, unlike PPTP, L2TP, and IPsec VPNs, which connect remote hosts to an entire private network, SSL VPNs tend to connect users to specific applications protected by the SSL VPN gateway. To learn more about VPN protocols and topologies, watch my New directions in VPN searchSecurity webcast, or read this InfoSec Magazine article on SSL VPNs. |
