How to promote a domain controller from backup media

When you install a domain controller for the new branch office, the DCPROMO
process needs to replicate a copy of the Active Directory from an existing domain
controller. Due to the need to minimize network traffic, Window Server 2003 offers
the DCPROMO /ADV option. This is used to promote a domain controller and copy
the Active Directory from a backup copy. To deploy an additional domain
controller in an existing domain, you can either let replication copy domain
information from an existing source domain controller over the network or you can
use the install from media feature, new in Windows Server 2003. Install from media
allows you to pre-populate Active Directory with System State data backed up from
an existing domain controller. This backup can be present on local CD, DVD, or
hard disk partition. Installing from media drastically reduces the time required to
install directory information by reducing the amount of data that is replicated over
the network. Installing from media is most beneficial in environments with very
large domains or for installing new domain controllers that are connected by a slow
network link. To use the install from media feature, you first create a backup of
System State from the existing domain controller, and then restore it to the new
domain controller by using the Restore to Alternate location option.
To install Active Directory on the second domain controller:
1. Log on to the Windows Server 2003-based member server.
2. If you want to copy domain information from restored backup files, at the command
line, type: dcpromo /adv
References:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/WindowsServ/2003/all/deployguide/en-us/Default.asp?u