Active Directory functional level compatability questions

we in process of planning domain controller upgrade @ our remote sites (except one). upgrade our existing exchange server 2003 2010.

my current environment looks this:

2 windows 2003 domain controllers @ corp (single domain @ windows 2000 functional level)

1 dc (global catalog only) @ each of 12 remote factilities.

my wan infrastructure mpls , between 1mb , 3mb each remote site conecting corp.

 

all domain controller hardware @ each remote site need replaced (except one). wish replace hardware , move windows 2008 global catalogs. 1 not need replaced continue running windows 2000 global catalog.

questions have:

1) can windows 2008 dc global catalog exist in windows 2003 domain @ windows 2000 funcational level?

2) retrospectively, even need global catalogs in each remote site provide ad log on services? each remote dc acts file server , files published via dfs in domain.

3) i know in order transition exchange 2010 domain environment must moved minimum of windows 2003 native mode functional level. can change functional level of domain windows 2003 native if have windows 2000 server our there running global catalog services?

thanks in advance light can shed.

 

 

 

1.    yes can have 2008 dc in scenario.

2.  if have dc in remote site i'd make global catalog.   i'd try make every dc gc unless bandwidth can't handle it.   

3.  your domain functional mode can't 2003 native if have 2000 dc in domain.   dc have 2003 dc too.

 

some sugggestions.

1.  have thought going 2008 r2 @ point?

2.  support windows 2000 ends on july 13, 2010  http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifean36/en-us   may want think of getting box date newer/supported os.

 

if want know details , features of various functional levels check out documents listed in link below...i'm not typing out :)

http://blogs.technet.com/b/activedirectoryua/archive/2010/04/02/new-location-for-topic-about-active-directory-functional-levels-and-features.aspx

 

thanks

mike

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