Question : Adding 2003 DC to 2000 Domain

I am about to add a Windows 2003 Server DC (also eventually hosting Exchange 2003) to a 2000 Domain, where essential services will be migrated from the 2000 server before its eventual upgrade.

I just want to clarify the steps that I need to take to make sure this transition is as smooth as possible as I only have a small time window (overnight) to make sure everything works....

Am I correct in thinking I just need to

1) Ensure the existing 2000 DC is on SP4
2) Copy I386 folder to 2000 server from 2003 server CD
3) run (from that i386 folder) adprep /forestprep and adprep /domainprep
4) Add the 2003 server to the domain as a member server
5) run DCPromo on the 2003 server to promote to DC
6) install DHCP/DNS services

Once this is all done, I'll be leaving it a week or so before I do the Exchange install (currently using MDaemon groupware for mail), but just wanted to check that I haven't missed anything before starting this....or that there arre any pitfalls that people have come across that I should be watching out for.......

TIA

Answer : Adding 2003 DC to 2000 Domain

The approach is basically correct (you can add the 2003 machine as member server before you run adprep, btw).
But check your AD with netdiag.exe, dcdiag.exe, and replmon.exe (all from the Support Tools) before you start. Unless you get an error free result from dcdiag as well as netdiag, you basically don't need to bother with the upgrade.

HOW TO: Use the Network Diagnostics Tool (Netdiag.exe) in Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321708

Do not install the Support Tools from your installation CD, some tools were updates by the Service Packs. Here's the current version:
Windows 2000 SP4 Support Tools
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/SP4/supporttools.asp

Cure netdiag or dcdiag errors with those:
10 DNS Errors That Will Kill Your Network
http://www.mstraining.com/misc/10_dns_errors_that_will_kill_you.htm

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 2000 DNS and Windows Server 2003 DNS
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=291382

Best practices for DNS client settings in Windows 2000 Server and in Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=825036

Uninstall the Support Tools before upgrading; here's the 2003 SP1 version for after the upgrade:
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 32-bit Support Tools
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=6ec50b78-8be1-4e81-b3be-4e7ac4f0912d&displaylang=en

Then some stuff to take care of before upgrading:
Common Mistakes When Upgrading a Windows 2000 Domain To a Windows 2003 Domain
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=555040

Cannot Promote a Windows Server 2003 Domain Controller into a Windows 2000 Forest
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=278875

Windows Server 2003 Help Files Contain Incorrect Information About How to Update a Windows 2000 Domain
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=821076

How to Upgrade Windows 2000 Domain Controllers to Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=325379

Operations That Are Performed by the Adprep.exe Utility When You Add a Windows Server 2003 Domain Controller to a Windows 2000 Domain or Forest
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=309628

Hotfixes to Install on Windows 2000 Domain Controllers Before Running Adprep /Forestprep
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=331161

Windows Server 2003 adprep /forestprep Command Causes Mangled Attributes in Windows 2000 Forests That Contain Exchange 2000 Servers
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314649

Support WebCast: Microsoft Windows Server 2003: Upgrading Windows 2000 Domains to Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=812954

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Deployment Kit
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/WindowsServ/2003/all/deployguide/en-us/

Designing and Deploying Directory and Security Services
Upgrading Windows 2000 Domains to Windows Server 2003 Domains
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/WindowsServ/2003/all/deployguide/en-us/DSSBF_UPWN_OVERVIEW.asp