Server decommission/replacement

[Andrew R. Siegel]

I have a server named server_1 that is used as my "PDC"
and I need to replace it. It is doing DNS, DHCP, file
services, and print services. I have a lot of users that
point to this server by name and I need to replace it. I
would like to know if my plan to replace it is all screwed
up. So please let me know if I'm forgetting something or
if this just won't work.

I plan to do this: I will transfer all FMSO roles to a
different W2K Domain Controller (server_2) which is also
running DNS and DHCP. After that is done, I will unplug
from the network and delete server_1 from Active Directory
and DNS. I will let this replicate out over night. While
this is replicating out, I plan on restoring all backed up
files onto new server running Server 2003 (server_3).
After several hours, I will rename server_3 to server_1.
From there, I believe that all users will see server_1 as
the new server and this will be transparent to all end
users. Am I right?

Thank you.

 

[Mark]

You will want to run dcpromo to demote the server after
transferring FSMO roles and before deleteing out of AD.
Also before deleting from AD, I would pull it out of the
domain by joining it to a workgroup, then delete the
computer account. Otherwise sounds OK.

Mark

 

[Andrew R. Siegel]

Sounds good. Thank you for your input. Also, I can
rename the new DC, correct. I know in 2000, I had to
demote it, rename it, and promote again. But I understand
in 2003 I can just rename. Am I wrong?

Thanks again,

Andy

 

[Mark]

That's what I hear! I haven't actually tried it yet.

Good luck!