Enabling Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Functional Levels

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

Enabling advanced Windows Server 2003 Active Directory features in your environment involves installing Windows Server 2003 Active Directory, determining the functional level that is appropriate for your environment, and then raising domain and forest functional levels to meet your requirements. If you choose to raise your existing infrastructure to the Windows Server 2003 functional level, you can take advantage of all the Windows Server 2003 Active Directory features that are available.

You can determine the current domain functional level by viewing the properties of the domain object in either Active Directory Users and Computers or Active Directory Domains and Trusts. You can determine the current forest functional level by using Active Directory Domains and Trusts to view the properties of the Active Directory Domains and Trusts node.

To raise the forest functional level to Windows Server 2003, use Active Directory Domains and Trusts. To raise the domain functional level to Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 native, use Active Directory Domains and Trusts or Active Directory Users and Computers. For more information about how to view and raise domain and forest functional levels, see "Raise the domain functional level" and "Raise the forest functional level" in Help and Support Center for Windows Server 2003.

Figure 5.4   Enabling Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Functional Levels