Adding Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard as a Domain Controller in an existing Domain

Hi,

This is regarding introducing a Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard in an existing Domain, controlled by 3 DCs, running on Windows Server 2008 32-bit. I further want to make this newly introduced 64-bit DC as PDC and gradually move all remaining DCs on Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard i.e. 64-bit.

I have gone through several forums explaining the steps, where experts have said that this task is very simple. However, to gain further confidence, I thought to put this question here by explaining the exact scenario and the objective:

Scenario:

There are total 3 Domain Controllers in our Domain. All are 32-bit. Setails as below:

1. Primary Domain Controller - Running on Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition
2. Two Additional Domain Controllers - Both Running on Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition
3. Domain and Forest Functional Levels are at Windows Server 2003

Objective:

The prime objective is to move all my DCs on same platform i.e. Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition, keeping the existing hardware as constant. However, I can manage spare hardware in case if the solution asks it for temporary phase.

I have seen in many forums, where people have mentioned to run adprep /forestprepand adprep /domainprep commands before proceeding. However, no one has explanation the necessity to run such commands.

I request proper guidance in carrying out this activity so that I can plan and execute it properly.

Thanks,

Amit Jogi