FSMO ROLES

1) While Active Directory is a distributed system, some servers only carry out specific roles. If something happens to this server or you need a more substantial server to handle a particular role, you must know which servers are handling each role.
There are five FSMO roles:•
PDC emulator (one per domain): This role allows Windows Server 2003 to act as a Windows NT primary domain controller (PDC), and it provides replication support for Windows NT-based backup domain controllers (BDCs). In addition, this role assists with time and group policy synchronization. •
Infrastructure master (one per domain): This role is responsible for updating the group-to-user references whenever the members of groups change or receive new names. •
Relative ID (RID) master (one per domain): This role ensures that every object created has a unique identification number. •
Schema master (one per forest): This role is responsible for maintaining and modifying the Active Directory schema. •
Domain naming master (one per forest): This role is responsible for the addition and deletion of domains in a forest.
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How can you determine which servers hold these roles in an Active Directory forest?
To find the PDC emulator, the infrastructure master, and the RID master, follows these steps:
1. Go to Start Administrative Tools Active Directory Users and Computers.
2. Right-click the domain and select Operations Master. The resulting three tabs will show you which server holds each respective role.
To find the schema master, follow these steps:
1. Go to Start Run.
2. Enter regsvr32 schmmgmt.dll in the Open text box, and click OK.
3. Go to Start Run.
4. Enter mmc in the Open text box, and click OK.
5. Go to File Add/Remove Snap-In, and click Add.
6. Click Active Directory Schema, click Add, click Close, and click OK.
7. Right-click Active Directory Schema and select Operations Master from the shortcut menu.

To find the domain naming master, follow these steps:
1. Go to Start Administrative Tools Active Directory Domains and Trusts.
2. Right-click Active Directory Domains and Trusts, and select Operations Master from the list.

Transferring the RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Masters via GUITo Transfer the Domain-Specific RID Master, PDC Emulator, and Infrastructure Master FSMO Roles:
1. Open the Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in from the Administrative Tools folder.
2. If you are NOT logged onto the target domain controller, in the snap-in, right-click the icon next to Active Directory Users and Computers and press Connect to Domain Controller.
3. Select the domain controller that will be the new role holder, the target, and press OK.
4. Right-click the Active Directory Users and Computers icon again and press Operation Masters.
5. Select the appropriate tab for the role you wish to transfer and press the Change button.
6. Press OK to confirm the change.7. Press OK all the way out