Re: Multiple Forests using One Active Directory Server

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From: Laura A. Robinson (geekwench_at_snippit.hotmail.com)
Date: 12/05/04 

Date: Sun, 5 Dec 2004 17:44:28 -0500

circa Tue, 30 Nov 2004 21:57:03 -0800, in
microsoft.public.windows.server.active_directory, =?Utf-8?B?
bXV0ZWdlZWs=?= (mutegeek@discussions.microsoft.com) said,
> What I have been trying to figure out is whether it is possible to create
> multiple forests on one active directory server. The problem of creating new
> forests is trivial if one uses multiple computers, thus multiple instances of
> Active Directory. But such seems a needless exercise given that forests and
> domains in AD are abstract objects that do not necessarily relate to internet
> domains; even though the setup wizard suggests there is a one-to-one
> correspondance.
>
> Curious if anyone has considered it, or maybe done it. Short of hacking my
> way through AD I've not found a way, or reference that suggests it can be
> done.
>
As everybody else in the thread has said, no, you cannot have two
instances of AD on a single instance of the operating system- *if*
you're talking about a "full" AD.

OTOH, depending on why you're looking to do this, you may be able to
use ADAM (Active Directory Application Mode), which does allow
multiple instances on a single installation of the underyling OS. Why
is it that you are seeking to host multiple "forests" on a single
server? If you don't need the underlying security subsystems and DNS
reliance of "full" AD (basically, if you're looking just for an LDAP
directory), ADAM may be an option.

Laura 

-- 
Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes.
-Oscar Wilde

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