Step 7: Raise the Domain and Forest Functional Levels to Windows Server 2008

Applies To: Windows Server 2008

When you deploy a read-only domain controller (RODC) in a branch office, you should raise the domain and forest functional levels of your environment to Windows Server 2008 as soon as possible. The Windows Server 2008 functional levels are required so that you can migrate from File Replication Service (FRS) replication to Distributed File System (DFS) Replication of SYSVOL. For more information about DFS Replication of SYSVOL, see Plan for DFS Replication for SYSVOL.

For more information about other features that are available at the Windows Server 2008 domain and forest functional levels, see Understanding AD DS Functional Levels (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=139786).