DNS on Windows 2000, Second Edition

Appendix C.  Converting from BIND to the Microsoft DNS Server

This appendix covers the steps necessary to convert a BIND Version 4 name server to a Microsoft DNS Server. This process is straightforward, since the Microsoft DNS Server can read a BIND Version 4-style configuration file to obtain its configuration. If you’re running BIND Version 8 or 9, you’re no doubt aware that the configuration file format is drastically different. Unfortunately, the Microsoft DNS Server can’t read this version of the BIND configuration file. You should still read through this appendix to see what’s involved in the conversion, but you’ll need to manually “downgrade” your BIND configuration file to a format readable by the Microsoft DNS Server.

Step 1: Change the DNS Server Startup Method to File

The first step is directing the DNS server to obtain its configuration from a file rather than the Registry or an Active Directory server (or a combination of both). Start the DNS console, right-click on the server name in the left pane, and choose Properties. In the server properties window, click on the Advanced tab, which produces a window like the one shown in Figure C-1.

Figure C-1. Changing the DNS server startup method

Change the Load zone data on startup parameter to From file and click OK.