In a multi-domain Windows 2000 Active Directory forest, you decide to add a new global catalog server in one of your sites to improve logon performance and query speed. Which administrative tool should you use to configure an existing domain controller so that it functions as a global catalog server?

Introduction / Context:
In Windows 2000 Active Directory, a global catalog (GC) server holds a partial, searchable replica of objects from all domains in the forest. Placing a global catalog server in each site can significantly improve logon performance and enable efficient directory searches. Knowing which administrative tool is used to designate a domain controller as a global catalog server is fundamental for directory planning and troubleshooting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The environment uses Windows 2000 Server and Active Directory.
• There are multiple domains and at least one Active Directory site.
• You want to configure an existing domain controller to act as a global catalog server.
• You must choose among common graphical tools such as Active Directory Users and Computers and Active Directory Sites and Services.

Concept / Approach:
Global catalog configuration is closely tied to the site topology and replication settings of Active Directory. The tool that manages sites, subnets, site links and domain controller roles within each site is Active Directory Sites and Services. This console allows you to edit the properties of an NTDS Settings object for a domain controller and enables the global catalog role. Other tools, such as Active Directory Users and Computers, focus on objects like users, groups and computers, but do not expose the check box to make a server a global catalog.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify where global catalog configuration is defined. The GC role is configured on the NTDS Settings object associated with a domain controller.Step 2: Determine which console exposes NTDS Settings for each server. Active Directory Sites and Services is the tool that displays sites, servers and NTDS Settings objects.Step 3: In Active Directory Sites and Services, expand the site, expand the Servers container, and select the target domain controller.Step 4: Right click the NTDS Settings object for that domain controller and open Properties.Step 5: On the General tab, check the option that designates the server as a global catalog server.Step 6: Conclude that Active Directory Sites and Services is the correct tool from the options provided.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you open Active Directory Users and Computers and review the domain controller object properties, you will not find an option to enable or disable the global catalog role. Similarly, the Network and Dial-up Connections folder deals with network interface configuration, and the System application in Control Panel focuses on general system properties. Only Active Directory Sites and Services displays the logical site structure and allows modification of the NTDS Settings object, confirming that it is the proper tool for this task.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Active Directory Users and Computers is used primarily to manage domain objects such as users, groups, computers and organizational units, and does not configure global catalog roles. The Network and Dial-up Connections folder is for IP configuration and connections, not directory roles. The System application provides information about hardware and performance but does not deal with Active Directory topology or global catalog settings. Therefore, none of these can be used to designate a global catalog server.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical error is to assume that all Active Directory related tasks can be performed in Active Directory Users and Computers because it is the console administrators use most frequently. Another pitfall is forgetting that the global catalog is associated with sites and replication, not just with individual domain controllers. Remembering that site related configuration is done in Active Directory Sites and Services makes this and similar exam questions easier to solve.

Final Answer:
The correct tool to configure a domain controller as a global catalog server is Active Directory Sites and Services.