You receive an error message when you try to join your Windows 2000 member server to a domain as a peer domain controller (839498)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Small Business Server 2000

SYMPTOMS

When you run the Active Directory Installation Wizard on a Microsoft Windows 2000 member server to join an existing domain as a peer domain controller, you may receive the following error message:

The operation failed with the following error:

This product option is not available with the Small Business Server edition of Windows.

Alternatively, you may receive the following error message:

The operation failed with the following error:

The Small Business Server computer must be the root of the domain.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if you use the Small Business Server 2000 installation media to install Windows 2000 Server on your computer. When you install Windows 2000 Server by using the setup files on the Small Business Server 2000 CD, Windows 2000 Server uses the Small Business Server 2000 licensing model. According to this licensing model, the server must be the first domain controller on the network, and the server must be the root of the domain. Therefore, you cannot promote the server to a domain controller in an existing domain.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, use the Windows 2000 Server CD to install Windows 2000 Server.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

To determine whether Windows 2000 Server is using the Small Business Server 2000 licensing model, follow these steps:

Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Licensing.

If you have the Small Business Server version of Windows 2000 Server, you receive the following error message:

Not available in Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server. To add client licenses, choose Manage Server from the Start Menu and select About Small Business Server.

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	5/10/2004
Keywords:	kbprb KB839498 kbAudITPRO kbAudEndUser