best way to rename a server

[frank]

I plan to move the functionality of an existing ADS domain member server to
another box (basicaly move the apps from one machine to another). I want to
end up with the same name and ip address on the replacement server. I'm
wondering what's the best way to rename the servers: using ADS Users and
Computers, or the 'computer name' tab on 'my computer' properties on the
server itself? I believe I need to do the following:

1. rename existing server existing-old
2. rename replacement server existing

But I want to make sure this doesn't cause any problems. Does the renaming
method make a difference?

-Frank Brown
http://www.inwa.net/~frog/

 

[Brandon McCombs]

I plan to move the functionality of an existing ADS domain member server to
another box (basicaly move the apps from one machine to another). I want to
end up with the same name and ip address on the replacement server. I'm
wondering what's the best way to rename the servers: using ADS Users and
Computers, or the 'computer name' tab on 'my computer' properties on the
server itself? I believe I need to do the following:

renaming the machine account in ADUC only does exactly that: renames the machine
account and nothing else.
You have to rename the machine itself by going to the computer name in the My
Computer properties. If I remember my own experience correctly this method will
automatically rename the machine account in AD.

1. rename existing server existing-old
2. rename replacement server existing

that will work. Basically change the old server name to a temp name and then
rename the new server the name of the old server and then do whatever you want
with the temp name.

Don't forget to change the IP address of the new server to that of the old
server so that DNS matches.