Exchange 2k + Win2k PDC Problem

[Atreyu 0]

Greetings:

 

Two boxes, both W2kServer SP2 + every update under the sun. They are both domain controllers, but "server 1" was the server used to create the domain, so it's the PDC (although do we still use that term with W2K?). Anyways, on "server 2" exists Exchange 2000.

 

Problem: When I reboot "server 1", I cannot connect to my Exchange server with Outlook until "server 1" comes back up.

 

The answer seems obvious, but it has eluded me. My AD is running in native mode, as is Exchange 2k... which I would think with that level of AD integration that there would be no issue with Outlook finding the server SOMEWHERE in the AD, but for some reason, it doesn't know to query "server 2" when "server 1" aint there. Again, both servers are domain controllers.

 

 

Yes, my DNS/WINS and DHCP settings are all perfect. Name resolution on my LAN is not a problem. Anyhoo.... thanks in advance.

[Catdog02 0]

I believe the problem revolves around the FSMO roles that the "PDC" allocates to itself when you start a new network. There are five roles: More detail can be found here.

 

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q197132

 

We were discussing this at a rescent MOC course. The FSMO roles can be placed on other DC's, I think that the Infrastructure role is at fault. Although I'm not qualified (yet!) to help you with the transaction, I'm sure there is information on MS.com regarding changing the roles.

[Atreyu 0]

Thanks bud... I'll check it out. I think I figured out the problem though...

 

The Exchange box although a domain controller, was not a Global Catalog server... therefore unable to process logons. This is probably where I went wrong. I'll be testing it out in a bit.

 

Thanks for your reply!

[Catdog02 0]

Thats funny, I would assume that "server1" would be the GC for the domain.

 

 

Are you the same Atreyu that posts at supercars.net?

[Atreyu 0]

You are correct, "Server1" was the GC for the domain and "Server2" was NOT. This was why when I rebooted "Server1" I could not connect to my Exchange server.

 

And nope... not the same Atreyu :-). However props to the guy at supercars.net for chosing such a kewl handle!