Creating a new domain tree

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Creating a new domain tree

Create a new domain tree only when you need to create a domain whose DNS namespace is not related to the other domains in the forest. This means that the name of the tree root domain (and all of its children) does not have to contain the full name of the parent domain. A forest can contain one or more domain trees. For information about how to create a new domain tree, see Create a new domain tree.

Before you create a new domain tree, consider whether another forest is necessary. Multiple forests provide isolation of the schema and configuration directory partitions, separate security boundaries, administrative autonomy, and the flexibility to use an independent namespace design for each forest. Adding an additional forest does, however, increase the complexity and cost of implementing and maintaining your deployment. Therefore, the decision to create a new forest should not be made lightly. Create a forest where you have a specific deployment requirement. For example, create a forest when you need a separate security boundary or if you need to isolate schema changes. These requirements are not met by the creation of a new domain tree. For more information, see either Creating a new forest. or "Design Considerations for Delegation of Administration in Active Directory" on the Microsoft Web site.