Active Directory Partitions

In simple words a directory partition is the space where the AD information is segregated and logically stored.

There are three native partitions Schema/Configuration/Domain and additionally there is also the Application partition.

1. Schema information contains - definition details about objects and attributes that one CAN store in the AD. Replicates to all domain controllers. Static in nature.
2. Configuration information contains - configuration data about forest and trees. Replicates to all domain controllers. Static as your forest is.
 3. Domain information contains - object information for a domain. Replicates to all domain controllers within a domain. The object portion becomes part of Global Catalog.
 4. Application Partition contains - information about applications in Active Directory. E.g. when AD integrated DNS is used there are two application partitions for DNS zones – ForestDNSZones and DomainDNSZones.

Look here for details - http://www.tech-faq.com/directory-partitions.html


You can only configure the Application partition manually to use with AD integrated applications. Refer to this article for details- http://support.microsoft.com/kb/884116