When doing certain tasks (like adding a Windows Server 2008 R2 domain controller to a Windows 2003 domain) or installing certain applications, you may find that you need to raise the forest and/or domain functional level.
Follow the steps below:
- First, we’ll raise the domain functional level.
- Open Active Directory Domains and Trusts.
- Right-click the domain and select Raise Domain Functional Level…:
- Select Windows Server 2003 from the drop-down box, then click Raise:
- Click OK when this warning message appears:
- This success message should now appear:
- Now let’s raise the forest functional level.
- Staying in the Active Directory Domains and Trusts control panel, right-click the Active Directory Domains and Trusts root, and click Raise Forest Functional Level...:
- The current forest functional level should show as Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 will be the only option in the drop-down menu:
- Click OK when this warning message appears:
- This success message should now appear:
- Both the forest and domain functional level are now at their highest level…job done!