Upgrading the schema using R2 x64 CD on an existing x86 Windows Server 2003 SP1?

May 9th, 2006 by Jabez Gan [MVP]

Problem:

You have Windows Server 2003 SP1 as your primary domain controller. IT department has purchased Windows Server 2003 R2 and wants to setup as a member server.

But when you pop in the 64bit R2 CD into the CD-drive of the Primary Controller (Windows Server 2003 SP1), you will receive an error: “The image file for adprep is valid, but it is for a machine type other than the current machine.”

Cause:

The ADPREP folder in the 64bit R2 CD doesn’t have the 32bit binaries, thus you are unable to do a ADPREP using the 64-bit R2 CD on a 32-bit Domain Controller. This goes the same when you have a 32-bit R2 CD and trying to upgrade the schema on a 64-bit Domain Controller.

Resolution:

Microsoft is working on a fix.

Please leave a comment here to be notified when there’s a resolution/fix/workaround.

Update 1: MS has a fix for this. To receive the fix, please contact Microsoft PSS and request for Hotfix 919151. Microsoft PSS: http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/20150/20150.html

Note: No $ will be charged for hotfix request from Microsoft PSS.

Posted in Bugs, Windows Server System | 9 Comments »

9 Responses

1. Bryan Says:
   May 9th, 2006 at 3:08 pm

   I am having this same issue.

2. Patrick S Says:
   May 9th, 2006 at 3:54 pm

   OH this problem was in the semi-private NG, interesting.

3. Tomasz Onyszko Says:
   May 9th, 2006 at 4:02 pm

   Yup, this is a little issue with 64-bit R2, but if something is an issue we have to find workaround :), I’ve described simple procedure how to do this on my blog:
   http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/tomek/archive/2006/04/17/787.aspx

   Not hack, just procedure how to do this.

4. Brad Mendel Says:
   May 9th, 2006 at 5:20 pm

   I am having the same issue. I want our new server to become a second DC, but 64-bit R2 will not allow us to dcpromo into a 2003 SBS domain. However, I was able to get 32-bit R2 to dcpromo in a test lab SBS domain. I can’t believe there is not a fix yet.

5. Richard Gaffney Says:
   May 11th, 2006 at 6:16 am

   I’ve got exactly this issue and its caused us some big delays. We dont want to make the new server the master since it’s on a remote site, so its a bit too risky for us. I’ve managed to get hold of a copy of the 32 bit version, thanks to Jabez, but I really think that Microsoft should publish it as a download, or put the 32 and 64 bit versions on all R2 CDs.

6. Wesley Hayes Says:
   May 25th, 2006 at 12:47 pm

   I am having the same problem.

7. Shawn Reed Says:
   July 27th, 2006 at 8:44 pm

   I was told hotfix 919151 didn’t exist and had to open a support issue for $250. I’ll post more if I get it resolved. :S

8. Shawn Reed Says:
   July 27th, 2006 at 10:00 pm

   The Tech found the hotfix but said it was a “private” hotfix. It worked and all is well now. He did submitt a refund for the support ticket. Thanks again guys for posting this up.

9. Dan Baker Says:
   August 24th, 2006 at 2:39 pm

   We had the same problem, Dell was able to email me a copy of Adprep to run on our 32bit box of 2003SP1. DCPromo went without issue after that.