help setting up win2k3 server

hi, i am attempting to set up a win2k3 server to be added to our win2k domain as a domain controller. the server will be located at a remote site, but i am configuring the win2k3 server on the LAN where the primary domain controller is located.

what i needs to know is whether to join the server to the domain before configuring active directory, dns and dhcp, and use DHCP to obtain an ip address. or should i set all these up first on a stand alone server with a static ip address and then add the win2k3 server to the domain?

Many thanks

 

Backup your system state from your primary domain controller (the correct name is only Domain Controller, you do not have primary and backup domain controllers on w2k domain).
Then you can set up your w2k3 domain controller from the biggining on site.
Just start dcpromo with the adv switch.
Your dns will be updated automatilly if you have dynamic updates.
The domain controller should have a static ip so the dhcp do not comes to play.

With the Install from Media (IFM) feature in the Active Directory Installation Wizard, you can use a restored system state backup as the data source when you promote a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based domain controller in an existing domain. When you use IFM to promote a domain controller, you gain important advantages over network-based promotions

You can see this url for details:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=311078

 

If your machines at the remote site use the same domain name then yes you can setup your domain controller without having to join it to the domain first. During the DCPROMO wizard you it will ask you were the DC is going to be placed, I would expect you to select dc in an existing domain.