ntds.dit

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  That is the Active Directory database file. It is only found on domain controllers, in the Windows\NTDS folder. Domain controllers are server computers with the Active Directory Domain Services role.

  However, you have asked in the wrong forum. This forum is for questions and discussions about the TechNet Wiki. I will move this question to a more appropriate forum.

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  Richard Mueller - MVP Enterprise Mobility (Identity and Access)

  • Proposed as answer by Todd Heron Friday, February 3, 2017 10:47 PM

  Friday, February 3, 2017 2:53 PM
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  Hi,
  Active Directory data is stored in the Ntds.dit ESE database file. Two copies of Ntds.dit are present in separate locations on a given domain controller:
  %SystemRoot%\NTDS\Ntds.dit    This file stores the database that is in use on the domain controller. It contains the values for the domain and a replica of the values for the forest (the Configuration container data).
  %SystemRoot%\System32\Ntds.dit    This file is the distribution copy of the default directory that is used when you promote a Windows 2000 – based computer to a domain controller. The availability of this file allows you to run the Active Directory Installation Wizard (Dcpromo.exe) without your having to use the Windows 2000 Server operating system CD. During the promotion process, Ntds.dit is copied from the %SystemRoot%\System32 directory into the %SystemRoot%\NTDS directory. Active Directory is then started from this new copy of the file, and replication updates the file from other domain controllers.
  Please see more details about this file from: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc961761.aspx
  Best regards,
  Wendy

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  • Proposed as answer by Awinish Monday, February 6, 2017 10:29 AM

  Monday, February 6, 2017 8:37 AM