Exchange 2007...multiple sites...one forest..cannot install...schema master not contacted.

Hello.

first thank you for taking the time to read.  I am installing a new (first) Exchange server 2007 in our new domain. However i keep getting the error of unable to contact Schema Master and server is not in the same site as the Schema Master.

Error:
Setup needs to contact the Active Directory schema master but this computer is not in the same Active Directory domain as the schema master (DC=mydomain,DC=lcl).
Recommended Action: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=30939&l=en&v=ExBPA.3&id=2376fec1-b9ce-44db-beb6-cb9ac4788988

-On the Schema master which is a Chicago site.  I was able to run PrepareAD and PrepareSchema; just cannot install Exchange 2007.  The Exchange server is in UK.  

-So it is one forest with multiple sites.  single domain...is that a problem?  does each site need its own Schema master....wouldnt think so?  perhaps it is a replication issue between Chicago and UK?

- And if i change the Schema master to the DC in UK can i change it back? and what repercussions would that have?  and is that a practice that is endorsed?

 

I am at a loss here...dont know where to go from here....any and all help will be appreciated. Thnx. 

 

The least disruptive action would be to run setup /prepareAd from the Chicago site. After completing that, and allowing for replication you could complete the Exchange install on your UK server.

 You could also move the schema master to the UK and then run setup and then change it back sometime after the Exchange installation.

Thanks for responding.  Thats the thing i already ran setup/PrepareSchema and setup /PrepareAD in the Chicago site.  and it has been about 3 days since that was done successfully.  Where do I look for regarding the replication issues?  

I did a repadmin /showrepl on the Chicago site and it only shows replication within its own site....doesnt extend to the UK site.  i guess the problem would lie there?

What are the repercussions of moving the Schema master?  and would that be considered a last resort?

Thanks again. 

First use Active Directory Sites and Services and make sure that there are links generated between sites. You may also want to run dcdiag on each of the DCs to see if there are any obvious problems that are breaking replication.

There are no real adverse effects of moving the Schema Master however in order to move it replication has to be working.

and somehow it is working now... perhaps the AD replication took forever? days?


once i find the answer as to why ...then i will post again..thnx.

 

I am curious to know what changed since the last time you ran it. AD Replication shouldn't take that long! :)