Preparation Guide for Exam 70-292

Preparation Guide for Exam 70-292
Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000
Updated: May 13, 2008
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Credit toward certificationCredit toward certification
Preparation tools and resourcesPreparation tools and resources
Skills measuredSkills measured
Exam news




Audience profile

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003 upgrade exam is available only to candidates who are currently certified as an MCSA or an MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. The MCSA on Windows Server 2003 credential is intended for IT professionals who work in the typically complex computing environment of medium-sized to large companies. Candidates should have experience administering client and network operating systems in environments that have the following characteristics:


250 to 5,000 or more users


Three or more physical locations


Three or more domain controllers


Network services and resources such as messaging, database, file and print, proxy server, firewall, Internet, intranet, remote access, and client computer management


Connectivity requirements such as connecting branch offices and individual users in remote locations to the corporate network and connecting corporate networks to the Internet

Credit toward certification

When you pass the Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000 exam, you do not achieve Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. This exam is intended for people who are already certified as an MCSA on Windows 2000. You will earn credit toward the following certifications:


Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003 certification


Core credit toward Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Windows Server 2003 certification

Preparation tools and resources

In addition to your hands-on experience working with the product, we recommend that you use the following tools and training to help you prepare for this exam.
Classroom training for this exam


Workshop 2209: Updating Systems Administrator Skills from Microsoft Windows 2000 to Windows Server 2003.
Microsoft Press self-paced training products


MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-292 and 70-296): Upgrading Your Certification to Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Microsoft certified practice tests


Visit the Testkingdom.com Web site to take a practice test.


Self Test Software: Visit the Self Test Software Web site to take a practice test.
Microsoft online resources


TechNet: Designed for IT professionals, this site includes how-to instructions, best practices, downloads, technical chats, and much more.


MSDN: The Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) is a reference for developers, featuring code samples, technical articles, newsgroups, chats, and more.


Training and certification newsgroups: A newsgroup exists for every Microsoft certification. By participating in the ongoing dialogue, you take advantage of a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with and ask questions of others, including more than 750 Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) worldwide.

Skills measured

This exam measures your ability to manage and maintain a Windows Server 2003 environment. Before taking the exam, you should be proficient in the job skills listed in the following matrix. The matrix shows which Official Microsoft Learning Products may help you reach competency in the skills being tested in the exam.
KEY:The course provides a general introductory overview of this task. You will need to supplement the course with additional work. = The course provides a general introductory overview of this task. You will need to supplement the course with additional work. The course includes some material to prepare you for this task. You will need to supplement the course with additional work. = The course includes some material to prepare you for this task. You will need to supplement the course with additional work. The course includes material to prepare you for this task. = The course includes material to prepare you for this task.
Skills measured by Exam 70-292Workshop 2209
Managing Users, Computers, and Groups

Create and manage groups


Identify and modify the scope of a group


Find domain groups in which a user is a member


Manage group membership


Create and modify groups by using the Active Directory Users and Computers Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in


Create and modify groups by using automation


Create and manage user accounts


Create and modify user accounts by using the Active Directory Users and Computers MMC snap-in


Create and modify user accounts by using automation


Import user accounts


Troubleshoot user authentication issues


Managing and Maintaining Access to Resources

Troubleshoot Terminal Services


Diagnose and resolve issues related to Terminal Services security


Diagnose and resolve issues related to client access to Terminal Services


Managing and Maintaining a Server Environment

Manage software update infrastructure


Manage servers remotely


Manage a server by using Remote Assistance


Manage a server by using Terminal Services remote administration mode


Manage a server by using available support tools


Manage a Web server


Manage Internet Information Services (IIS)


Manage security for IIS


Managing and Implementing Disaster Recovery

Perform system recovery for a server


Implement Automated System Recovery (ASR)


Restore data from shadow copy volumes


Back up files and System State data to media


Configure security for backup operations


Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining Name Resolution

Install and configure the DNS Server service


Configure DNS server options


Configure DNS zone options


Configure DNS forwarding


Manage DNS


Manage DNS zone settings


Manage DNS record settings


Manage DNS server options


Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining Network Security

Implement secure network administration procedures


Implement security baseline settings and audit security settings by using security templates


Implement the principle of least privilege


Install and configure software update infrastructure


Install and configure software update services


Install and configure automatic client update settings


Configure software updates on earlier operating systems