Hi there, I'm keen to look at having the foundation server on a different site to service a minimal list of users. Our current domain for example child1.domain.com is our standard domain structure. Keeping domain.com as the root for all forest tasks and the child domain for daily tasks. Now reading through the limitations of foundation server: 2.The server running Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation can only be joined at the root of the domain and can’t be used to create child domains. In case joined to a child domain or used to create a child domain the server will display a warning and if not rectified will shut down in 10 days. 3.The domain containing Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation must not have trust relations with another domain. In case the domain does have trust relationships the server will display a warning message and if not rectified will shut down in 10 days. Does #2 mean that, the foundation server would not be allowed to join my domain child1.domain.com - as a member server only? We will not be using the extra roles like AD, DHCP, DNS on this server - it's only intended as a file/print server. Does #3 mean that, because child1.domain.com would have a few two way trusts already - this is now not supported for Foundation server even though we'd only be using rights from chilld1.domain.com? (These users will be local to child1). Regards, John

Yes, #2 means the foundation server cannot join your child domain. In fact, you don’t need a foundation server if you already have a child domain with DC, although it’s not suggested, DC could act as a file/print server if the hardware capability allows. You can configure some Security policies to protect your DCs. Child domain by default has Trusts with parent domain, so foundation server is not supported here. Thanks.This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. Please remember to click "Mark as Answer" on the post that helps you, and to click "Unmark as Answer" if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Thanks Mervyn, seems spot on. So will take it further and look to deploy Windows 2008 Standard or Storage Server 2008.

Thank you for update. Sorry that we cannot do something more to workaround this limitation. If you have more questions in the future, you’re welcomed to this forum. RegardsThis posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. Please remember to click "Mark as Answer" on the post that helps you, and to click "Unmark as Answer" if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.