Replacing a server in an existing domain (not the main domain controller)
Active Directory Installation, DCPROMO, Domain Controller, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 Domain Controller, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2
I have a domain in a school system that has one Server 2003 domain controller and each of the seven schools have an additional server in the same domain. All of these servers are Server 2003 OS. I am replacing several of the school's servers with Server 2008 R2. I have run adprep and prepared my domain for such an addition. I want to use the same computer name for the server that I am replacing. When replacing the first of these servers I went into Active Directory Users and Computers and deleted the server listed under the Domain Controllers section (choosing the third option "This domain controller is permanently offline and can no longer be demoted using the Active Directory Installation Wizard (DCPROMO)". Then I ran DCPROMO on the new server 2008 R2 computer, giving it the same name as was previously used by the Server 2003 server. I was asked a question that a previous DC existed with this name and did I want to continue the install overwriting the previous setup. I responded Yes and continued my deployment this way. I now realized that I should idealy have demoted the server that I am replacing by using the DCPROMO command on this server and removing it from the domain. My question is, will the first server installation be OK given the way I carried out the setup. All seems to be functioning fine from what I can see, but I am not sure if I will encounter any grief as a result of this process. If not, what should I do to rectify this situation. Thank you for your assistance.
Software/Hardware used:
Software/Hardware used:
ASKED:
July 29, 2010 5:05 AM
UPDATED:
March 22, 2011 7:26 PM
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Answer Wiki:
Since you overwrote the old "DC" with the AD infrastructure, it is very hard to "reverse" unless you go back to tape or so (not recommended). I would have performed the actual demotion and removal of the server you wanted to replace. By simply deleting the server from AD simply would not remove other components of the environment. I would have performed a dcpromo of the new server utilizing a new name and then transfer all FSMO roles onto this server from those servers you plan to decommission. Just realize you need to be careful if you remove a domain controller that has the FSMO roles which are critical to Active Directory to function properly.
You indicated to prepared the domain but did you prepare the forest (forestprep) which is normally the first step prior to domainprep?
You may want to execute from command line the utility "dcdiag" from each DC remaining even on the new one.
1) Perform the forestprep if not performed
2) Confirm the new DC has all the FSMO roles prior to demoting/removing the old DCs.
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i have a windows 2003 server which is a domain controller…now i am planning to setup a new server with windows 2008 server as an DC..so that i can replace the old(2003) server with the new(2008) with all my configs( AD & database ) can be transferred to new DC(2008)…. plus i want to setup another server as an antivirus server that can provide antivirus protection to my entire network all DCs(servers) , clients PCs (desktops and laptops)…. can anyone advise hw to setup the above…