Raise the domain functional level

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

To raise the domain functional level

Open Active Directory Domains and Trusts.
In the console tree, right-click the domain for which you want to raise functionality, and then click Raise Domain Functional Level.
In Select an available domain functional level, do one of the following:
- To raise the domain functional level to Windows 2000 native, click Windows 2000 native, and then click Raise.
- To raise domain functional level to Windows Server 2003, click Windows Server 2003, and then click Raise.

Caution

If you have or will have any domain controllers running Windows NT 4.0 and earlier, then do not raise the domain functional level to Windows 2000 native. Once the domain functional level is set to Windows 2000 native, it cannot be changed back to Windows 2000 mixed.
If you have or will have any domain controllers running Windows NT 4.0 and earlier or Windows 2000, then do not raise the domain functional level to Windows Server 2003. Once the domain functional level is set to Windows Server 2003, it cannot be changed back to Windows 2000 mixed or Windows 2000 native.

Notes

To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Domain Admins group in the domain for which you want to raise functionality or the Enterprise Admins group in Active Directory, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. As a security best practice, consider using Run as to perform this procedure. For more information, see Default local groups, Default groups, and Using Run as.
To open Active Directory Domains and Trusts, click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Active Directory Domains and Trusts.
You can also raise the domain functional level by right-clicking a domain displayed in Active Directory Users and Computers, and then clicking Raise Domain Functional Level.
The current domain functional level is displayed under Current domain functional level in the Raise Domain Functional Level dialog box.

Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.