Find out which servers hold which FSMO roles

Last time, we discussed the five Flexible Single Master Operations (FSMO) roles that a domain controller can provide: the PDC emulator, the infrastructure master, the relative ID (RID) master, the schema master, and the domain naming master. Now, let's look at how you can determine which servers hold these roles in an Active Directory forest.

To find the PDC emulator, the infrastructure master, and the RID master, follow these steps:

1. Go to Start | Administrative Tools | Active Directory Users And Computers.
2. Right-click the domain, and select Operations Master.

The resulting three tabs will show you which server holds each respective role.

To find the schema master, follow these steps:

1. Go to Start | Run.
2. Enter regsvr32 schmmgmt.dll in the Open text box, and click OK.
3. Go to Start | Run.
4. Enter mmc in the Open text box, and click OK.
5. Go to File | Add/Remove Snap-In, and click Add.
6. Click Active Directory Schema, click Add, click Close, and click OK.
7. Right-click Active Directory Schema, and select Operations Master from the shortcut menu.

To find the domain naming master, follow these steps:

1. Go to Start | Administrative Tools | Active Directory Domains And Trusts.
2. Right-click Active Directory Domains And Trusts, and select Operations Master from the list.

Each option features a Change button, which allows you to move the role to another domain controller.