Domain Naming Context


Topic Last Modified: 2005-04-18

Every domain is represented by a domain naming context. The domain naming context stores users, computers, groups, and other objects for that domain. All domain controllers that are joined to the domain share a full writeable copy of the domain directory partition. Additionally, all domain controllers in the forest that host the global catalog also host a partial read-only copy of every other domain naming context in the forest. For the most part, domain naming contexts store domain content—that is, user, group, and computer information. However, some domain-specific configuration data is also stored in the System container of the domain directory partition.

For Exchange 2000 Server and Exchange Server 2003, the domain naming context is where mail-enabled recipients are stored. To manipulate mail-enabled recipients, permissions may be required both on the object and within the Exchange organization.