Configuring and Maintaining the Active Directory Infrastructure - MCTS Guide to Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration - page 426

Each section of the output in Figure 10-20 lists a directory partition followed by the DCs
from which the partition is replicated. For example, the first line under INBOUND NEIGH-
BORS specifies the configuration partition, and the second line shows that the F2-DOM2-DC1
domain controller is a replication partner for that partition. The next two lines show the con-
nection object's GUID and the status of the last replication attempt. Each partition is represented
in the subsequent lines of output.
Repadmin can also be used to show the partitions being replicated by each connection
object, force replication to occur, force the KCC to recalculate the topology, and other actions.
Typing repadmin /? doesn't show all the available command parameters. To
learn more about this command and see the full list of command parame-
ters, visit http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc736571.aspx .
Activity 10-11: Demoting Server1XX to a Stand-Alone Server
Time Required: 15 minutes
Objective: Demote Server1XX to a stand-alone server.
Description: You're in the process of consolidating your Active Directory structure and need to
demote the last domain controller for the w2k8ad1XX.com domain.
1. Log on to Server1XX as Administrator, if necessary.
2. Click Start , type dcpromo in the Start Search text box, and press Enter . In the Active
Directory Domain Services Installation Wizard's welcome window, click Next .
3. In the message box warning that the domain controller is a global catalog server, click OK .
4. In the Delete the Domain window, click the Delete the domain because this server is the last
domain controller in the domain check box, and then click Next .
5. In the Application Directory Partitions window, click Next . Click the Delete all application
directory partitions on this Active Directory domain controller check box, and then click
Next .
6. If you see the Remove DNS Delegation window, click Next . In the Windows Security
window, enter Administrator and Password02 in the corresponding text boxes, and then
click OK .
7. In the Administrator Password window, type Password02 in the Password and Confirm
password text boxes, and then click Next .
8. In the Summary window, verify your choices, and then click Next . Removal of Active
Directory begins. If you get an error message about DNS delegations, click OK . When the
wizard has completed, click Finish .
9. Click Restart Now . When your server restarts, log on as Administrator with Password02 . In
a later activity, you promote the server to a domain controller in the w2k8adXX.com domain.
Global Catalog Replication
Domain controllers configured as global catalog servers require special attention to ensure
proper replication of this important directory partition. As you learned in Chapter 4, the global
catalog contains a partial replica of all objects in the forest, maintains universal group member-
ships, provides cross-domain logon support, and is used to locate objects throughout the forest.
Global catalog servers maintain an inbound connection with a DC in each domain the global
catalog is built from (see Figure 10-21). Furthermore, connections between global catalog servers
always include replication of the global catalog partition. You can see evidence of transferring
the global catalog partition when viewing the properties of a connection object between global
catalog servers. The Partially Replicated Naming Context(s) field shows “All other domains.”
Replication of the global catalog doesn't create a separate topology, but it does influence the
connections the KCC creates.