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With Windows Server 2008, Active Directory Domain Services can be stopped to perform tasks such as offline defragmentation or applying updates. While AD DS is stopped, other domain controllers can service requests. This is an improvement over Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 Active Directory where you have to restart the domain controller Directory Services Restore Mode to perform the same tasks.

To stop and restart AD DS

1. Click Start -> Administrative Tools ->Computer Management.

2. Double-click Services and Applications, and then click Services.

3. To stop AD DS, in the details pane, right-click Active Directory Domain Services, and then click Stop.

4. In Stop Other Services, review the list of dependent services that will also stop when you stop AD DS, and then click Yes.

5. Right-click Active Directory Domain Services again, and then click Start.

Dependent services start before AD DS starts.