> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://xedex.gitbook.io/internalpentest/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://xedex.gitbook.io/internalpentest/internal-pentest/active-directory/introduction/directory-partitions-naming-contexts.md).

# Directory Partitions/Naming Contexts

Each DC inclues Directory partition. A directory partition is a contiguous portion of the overall directory that has independent replication scope and scheduling data.  Directory Partition in AD, determines the [Hierarchy](https://ldapwiki.com/wiki/Hierarchy) or the [Directory Partition Subtrees](https://ldapwiki.com/wiki/Directory%20Partition%20Subtrees). This is stored in a single **NTDS.dit file** which is logically separated into the following partitions (also called heads):

1. Schema Partition
2. Configuration Partition
3. Domain Partition
4. Application Partition

![directory-tree-hierarchy](https://782540430-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LzBjY2lU8TBX2McCswT%2F-Lzln_zZUukWuhCmzEmM%2F-Lzm2KBhlhOXQl6whMvY%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=638ebf6f-50e5-408a-b64a-2f29b2a4a645)

Fore more information :

{% embed url="<https://docs.microsoft.com/fr-fr/windows/win32/ad/naming-contexts-and-partitions>" %}

{% embed url="<https://ldapwiki.com/wiki/Directory%20Partition%20Hierarchy>" %}

{% embed url="<https://www.faqforge.com/windows-server-2016/partitions-active-directory/>" %}

{% embed url="<https://www.ultimatewindowssecurity.com/blog/default.aspx?d=10/2017>" %}