We are trying to configure new file server mirrors with DFS + DFSR on them and our existing file servers in our three environments. Sandbox-Dev-Live. All are under the same domain. I was able to successfully create a namespace from the "new" sandbox-FS02, \\domain.net\sbox\, and had no issues getting replication up and running and all was looking sunny and easy.
In "dev", however, things are not so easy. When attempting to create the \\domain.net\dev namespace, I receive an error error on both dev-fs01 and dev-fs02. For the sake of simplicity here I'm leaving everything default. Not changing anything with shared folder location, details, or path. The shared folder does not exist before creation. Default path of C:\DFSRRoots\Dev is being used. "All Users have Read-Only Permissions" is checked. Domain based, with 2008 mode checked.
The namespace in question has never been successfully created and there are no associated registry entries for the namespace on any DC.
The error in question is as follows:
"\\domain.net\dev: The namespace server \\dev-fs01 cannot be added. The specified server cannot perform the requested operation".
There is no associated EventViewer Log Error, on either file server or any domain controller within the domain.
I have done a lot of troubleshooting already in terms of network connectivity between the servers and the PDC, permissions, verifying NETLOGON shares, AD replication... out of ideas at this point. I can provide any (sanitized) information that is desired about the environment or the error.