We are a small 8 user office already have Windows Server 2012 R2 as a DC. Just bought a 2nd server with Windows Server 2012 Foundation and realized it can not be set up as member server to the existing AD domain. Instead, can I set it up as an additional Domain Controller or backup DC in the AD domain? We intend to use this as a file server for an ERP software. Thank you!
Setup a Windows Server 2012 Foundation as an additional DC to an AD domain
windows-server-2012
Best Answer
See https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj679892.aspx
"In the Windows Server 2012 Foundation operating system, the server must be a member of a workgroup or, if joined to a domain, joined at the root of the forest as a domain controller."
So if your existing domain consists of only one domain with no trusts to other domains, this documentation indicates that you can join it to such a domain.