Need to demote an old DC and promote a new DC

[chrism]

I have two Domain Controllers (Windows Server 2003).
One is on an ailing server and I'd like to demote it and then promote a new
server which is ready to go.

Should I demote the old one first and then promote the new one to a DC?
Does the order really matter?

Any tips or advice to make this a smooth transition?

thanks

 

[Danny Sanders]

Do you have another DC in the mix?

If not you must have the original DC on line so when you promote the new DC
it will replicate the user/domain info to the new server.
If you promote the new server to DC without it having contact with the old,
you will be creating a new domain. You will have to go to each client
computer remove it from the domain it's in, then add it to the new domain.

Ideally you should have a second DC in your domain in case the original DC
crashes. The second DC will hold the user/domain info while you rebuild the
failed DC then replicate that info back to it. This will keep your domain
intact.

hth
DDS

 

[Herb Martin]

I have two Domain Controllers (Windows Server 2003).
One is on an ailing server and I'd like to demote it and then promote a
new server which is ready to go.

Should I demote the old one first and then promote the new one to a DC?
Does the order really matter?

The order only matters if the DC to be demoted is the only one
you have working.

Make sure you have AT LEAST one healthy (better is two)
DC(s) online.

 

[Paul Bergson [MVP-DS]]

I would promote before I demoted.

I have an article on Decommissioning a dc

http://www.pbbergs.com
Select articles and click on Decommission a DC

--
Paul Bergson
MVP - Directory Services
MCT, MCSE, MCSA, Security+, BS CSci
2003, 2000 (Early Achiever), NT

http://www.pbbergs.com

Please no e-mails, any questions should be posted in the NewsGroup
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[Jorge de Almeida Pinto [MVP - DS]]

it does not matter, but I would first introduce a new one and then remove
the old one after moving/transfering roles/features like FSMOs (if
applicable) GC, DNS, etc.etc.
if the old one is a DNS/WINS server do not forget to adjust servers and
clients (DHCP) to point to the new DNS/WINS server

--

Cheers,
(HOPEFULLY THIS INFORMATION HELPS YOU!)

# Jorge de Almeida Pinto # MVP Windows Server - Directory Services

BLOG (WEB-BASED)--> http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/jorge/default.aspx
BLOG (RSS-FEEDS)--> http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/jorge/rss.aspx