Windows 2003 Security Guide Hardening domain Controller Two

DNS Server

Table 4.13: Setting

The DNS Server service resolves a user's DNS (Domain Name System) query and processes update requests for DNS names. For devices that are identified with DNS names and domain controllers in Active Directory, the DNS server is the key service for locating these devices.

The reliability and availability of Active Directory is strongly dependent on the proper operation of the DNS Server service. Without DNS, the domain controllers will not be able to locate each other to replicate directory information and the client will not be able to access the domain controller for authentication.

By using Group Policy, the start mode setting for the service is configured to allow only server administrators to access, thereby preventing the service from being configured or manipulated by unauthorized or malicious users. This Group Policy also prevents administrators from unintentionally disabling the service. Therefore, in the three environments defined in this guidance, the service is configured to start automatically in DCBP.

File copy

Table 4.14: Setting

The File Replication service allows files to be automatically copied to multiple servers and maintained at the same time. The File Replication Service (FRS) is an automatic file service in Windows 2000 and the Windows Server family. The service replicates the SYSVOL to all domain controllers and can be configured to replicate files on other targets associated with fault-tolerant DFS. SYSVOL replication also relies on the correct operation of the File Replication service.

With Group Policy, you can configure the start mode settings of a service to allow only server administrators to access, thereby preventing the service from being configured or manipulated by unauthorized or malicious users. This Group Policy also prevents administrators from unintentionally disabling the service. Therefore, in the three environments defined in this guidance, the service is configured to start automatically in DCBP.