Active Directory replication failing? Check the topology
James Michael Stewart
11.04.2003
Rating: -4.43- (out of 5)
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Active Directory replication should occur automatically. When it doesn't, the best solution isn't just to force a replication, but to check out the topology. If the replication topology has become unstable or misconfigured, it needs to be corrected before initiating a manual replication procedure.
The Knowledge Consistency Checker (KCC) creates the replication topology used for intra-site replication automatically. Rather than creating a full mesh for replication, the KCC designs a topology where every DC has at least two replication partners and is no more than three hops away from any other DC. With such a topology, every DC can be fully updated with as little as three replication cycles.
Before forcing a replication, check the topology. The REPADMIN tool from the Windows 2000 Server Support Tools can be used for this. The command "repadmin /showreps" runs on a domain controller and produces a list of replication partners as designated by the KCC. You can also run this command remotely by adding a server name such as "repadmin /showreps <dcservername>" to the end of the statement.
To check the topology, verify that every DC...
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lists at least two replication partners and that all named partners see each other as partners. For example, if Server A lists Server B and C as partners, then both Server B and C should list Server A in return as a partner. If you discover a problem or inconsistency in the topology, use the KCC to regenerate the topology. The command "repadmin /kcc <dcservername>" forces the KCC to rebuild its replication topology. Once this process completes, you can recheck the topology with the /showreps version of the command.
Once you are sure the topology is correct, then and only then should you force a replication. This is done through the Active Directory Sites and Service console. From this console, select a domain controller to initiate replication from its partners. Then right-click over its name and select the Replicate Now command. Replication may take up to three iterations to fully update all DCs in a network, so you will need to force replication by selecting a different DC two additional times.
James Michael Stewart is a partner and researcher for ITinfopros, a technology-focused writing and training organization.
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