I have 3 domains, each one at a different location. Each domain has a two way trust relationship between them, but share the same Schema. Each domain has a DC (Server 2003 native function level) and a file server (Server 2008 and 2 x Server 2012s). I wanted to test out DFSR to see if it can help me eliminate some duplicate data entry and help with some backup limitations we have.
I installed DFS on the 2 file servers. I wanted to just sync a test folder between both of the 2012 servers but I am unable to do so. The 2 servers I am trying to sync are both domain member servers of different domains separated by a WAN VPN. I am focusing on the Replication part. I'm not interested in the Namespace part. So I attempt to create a new Replication Group for Data Collection. I put in the name of my Replication Group (Test) and the name of my domain (Domain A). I enter the server name (Server A) and then add the path to the folder I want to replicate. When I enter in the Hub server (Server B) I get an error that says "The server's operating system version cannot be retrieved. The network path was not found". I use the FQDN (I always have to in order to communicate between servers over the WAN) and I get the same error. I can ping the server, I can access network shares on it. But cannot set this up.
I started thinking that the reason I cannot connect to it has to do with user permissions. I am logged in as the domain administrator for Domain A. I want to sync to Server B on Domain B. However Server B is not a domain controller, but instead also a member server. If I try to setup a replication with a domain controller on Domain B, I do not get the error and am able to proceed to the next step. I tried adding the Domain A domain admins group to the Domain B user account list administrators group but problem remains. I think that if Server B was a domain controller, I probably wouldn't have this issue because it would be authenticating directly to Active Directory. The problem must be Server A not being able to authenticate to the domain controller for domain B.
I hope this makes sense. If anyone can help I would appreciate it. I'll be on for another hour or so, then I'll check back in tomorrow.
Thanks