Adding a new server into an existing Windows 2000 domain not running AD

[Guest]

I have a 2000 server that was originally a NT 4.0 a single domain server environment. I need to replace the server with a new hardware platform. I have brought in a second 2000 server and added it to the existing domain as a member server

Is there an easy way to demote the existing Domain controller and promote the new server to the PDC when it is not running AD.

I would also consider creating a new Domain if I was able to migrate the user /security information from the existing controller.

Any assistance would be greatly apprecaited. I searched the Micorosft site and found information on this topic when Ad was running.

thanks

 

[Herb Martin]

I have a 2000 server that was originally a NT 4.0 a single domain server

environment. I need to replace the server with a new hardware platform. I
have brought in a second 2000 server and added it to the existing domain as
a member server .

Is there an easy way to demote the existing Domain controller and promote

the new server to the PDC when it is not running AD.

The method is to add the new-to-be-DC as an NT4 BDC.
Promote it to PDC. The current-PDC will now be a BDC.
You can upgrade the (now) PDC to Win2000.

ONLY the PDC can upgrade a domain to Win2000.

Another method if your current-PDC can support the upgrade;
Upgrade to Win2000 then:

You add a new server, DCPromo to a DC.
Transfer the 5 FSMO roles to the new DC
Make sure the new DC is a GC
DCPromo the original DC to remove AD.

I would also consider creating a new Domain if I was able to migrate the

user /security information from the existing controller.

That is a very poor practice -- although it frequently suggested
by well-meaning amateurs.

Domains were designed to upgrade. They work just fine.

Any assistance would be greatly apprecaited. I searched the Micorosft site

and found information on this topic when Ad was running.

 

[Guest]

Herb, I am a bit confused on this process since the two servers are already running Windows 2000 server. It looks like my only option would be to use the DCPromo option Is there any tech notes on transfering the 5 FSMO roles( not sure what that stands for )Also what is a "GC

Also I do not believe AD is running on the current 2000 serve

thanks agai
frank

 

[Herb Martin]

Herb, I am a bit confused on this process since the two servers are
already running Windows 2000 server. It looks like my only option would be
to use the DCPromo option Is there any tech notes on transfering the 5 FSMO
roles( not sure what that stands for )Also what is a "GC"

You message was almost indecipherable -- I actually answered
it once based on the guess you meant it was already Win2000;
then on further reading decided you were claiming it was still
NT.

Doesn't matter since I included BOTH answers. Just follow the
second part as if you have upgraded already (you have.)

Also I do not believe AD is running on the current 2000 server

Here we go again. You either have an NT PDC or you have a
Win2000 Domain with AD (or no domain at all.)

If you have Win2000 SERVERS (not DCs) in an NT domain, you
cannot use those servers to upgrade the NT domain.

ONLY the NT PDC can upgrade to Win2000 domains.