Domain controllers can assume numerous roles within an Active Directory infrastructure. A domain controller is a server that hosts a domain database and performs authentication services. In Windows 2000 Server, the domain database is part of the Active Directory database.

In a Windows 2000 domain forest, Active Directory information is replicated between domain controllers that also host a copy of the forest configuration and schema containers.

Domain controllers can function as global catalogs, operations masters, and simple domain controllers. In the event a disaster occurs, it is important to know the function of each domain controller in your organization. For more information about the various roles of domain controllers, see the technical paper Active Directory Disaster Recovery at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=6270.

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Enterprise Edition
• Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Standard Edition
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Premium Edition
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Standard Edition
• Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server