Hello Iam trying to setup windows 2003 server on a virtual machine to run primarly as DC /DNS/DHCP server/Firewall/RAS etc etc for other virtual xp hosts to connect to . I have 2 nics installed on my virtual windows 2003 server box. I have eth1 connected to my real network with a static assigned IP and pointing at my real router for DNS and the default gateway. On eth2 i want hosts to connect for the services DC /DNS/DHCP server/Firewall. Where do i start? Which to i setup first Routing and remote access, DHCP, etc etc before i promote it to a DC?

Almost everything you do is going to center around the problems created by multi-homing. I'd isolate the test network from the "real" network (removing extra NIC) if that's what you need. Regards, Dave Patrick .... Microsoft Certified Professional -Microsoft MVP [Windows]

Hi, Although multihomed domain controller is supported, it’s not recommended as numerous issues can occur in such an environment, such as name resolving (DNS, WINS). Though some general configuration change can be performed to avoid the issues, considering the different network environments (default gateway, route table and reason for multihome) and different application usage, you may need to perform some additional operation and troubleshooting to make it work. If it is possible, we suggest that you do not configure domain controller as multihomed. For more information, you can refer to the following support articles: Active Directory communication fails on multihomed domain controllers http://support.microsoft.com/kb/272294 Name resolution and connectivity issues occur on Windows 2000 domain controllers that have the Routing and Remote Access service and DNS installed http://support.microsoft.com/kb/830063 Meanwhile, if you insist configuring a multihomed DC, please refer to the following articles: Multihomed DCs with DNS, RRAS, and/or PPPoE adapters http://msmvps.com/blogs/acefekay/archive/2009/08/17/multihomed-dcs-with-dns-rras-and-or-pppoe-adapters.aspx Please Note: Since the web site is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information. Hope the above information will be helpful. Thanks. Nina This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.