Im trying to add an additional DC as my predecessor never setup a 2nd dc as a backup. I can connect any computer to the domain with no problems, but when I run dcpromo and try to add it to the domain I receive an error that the domain controller cannot be reached, ensure the dns name is correct, in the details it days DNS name does not exist, but nslookup finds the DNS server. Anyone one know what I need to change? Thanks

the existing dns/dc is listed as dns server in your ip properties?

Hello, as I see this seems to be a DNS problem. Please make sure that the new server is pointing to your current DNS server as primary one and then try to promote the DC. Use nslookup to check that all is okay with DNS resolution. Also, check that needed ports for AD replication are opened: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727063.aspx This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights. Microsoft Student Partner 2010 / 2011 Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator

Thank you, I am pointing to the same DNS server as my main DC. Firewalls are all off at this point.

Hi TRVLRS, Thank you for your post. You problem might be caused by SRV records missing in your DNS server, please first verify that the service (SRV) resource records and the corresponding address (A) resource records exist in DNS. How to verify that SRV DNS records have been created for a domain controller: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816587 If you do not have this SRV record on your DNS, please check the following KB to resolve this issue. SRV Records Missing After Implementing Active Directory and Domain Name System: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/241505 Best Regards, James Zou

Yeh, Its not an SRV or DNS issue, my problem goes deeper then what can be addressed thru this, too many variables involved. Thanks for replying to my issue all of you