asked on

Renaming Domain Controller

Hey guys, this one should be easy. Anyways, Im just a networking student and putsin around and set up a windows 2000 server machine in my basement and created a domain controller. But I want to change the Name of the domain that I used from a walkthrough book from microsoft to my own name. There are only 3 entries in the Active Server directory so I dont care if I delete them and need to create it again.

But how would I go about renaming, or deleting the only domain controller and putting it back on with a name id preffer.

thanks guys.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

anupnellip

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

jamesreddy

I think you want to rename the domain CONTROLLER, not the domain...correct? If that is the case, anupnellip is still correct in that you cannot rename a controller without demoting it first. BUT, add a step 8 to his instructions:

8. Log in to the demoted server
9. Right-click My Computer, go to Properties, then the Identification tab
10. Click Properties. Type the new name of the domain controller then click OK.

It'll prompt you to reboot. After rebooting, THEN run dcpromo again.

Other than that, he's right on the money.

jamesreddy

disregard my last statement. I just caught that you wanted to rename the domain...not the controller. *sigh* Haven't ha coffee yet this morning. My apologies. Do not accept any of my answers. anupnellip had it right the first time. He is correct.

kristinaw

If you want to know what you would have to do if this were a 'real' domain, see the following:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;q292541&

If you're a student here's a piece of advice, learn to use google and the MS KB and be prepared to read alot.

Kris.

infotrader

Or... you can upgrade to Windows Server 2003, download the "domain rename tools", and do it that way... That's a new feature for 2003, so it will not work for you unless you do an O.S. upgrade.

- Info

Brian1

I have persoanlly had problems with my system after using DCPROMO, most specifically with Exchange server. What you may have to do is re-install the OS, and just start all over. IMO that is easier than changing the domain name through DCPROMO and then troubleshooting all the problems that result.

NoodlesWIU

ASKER

kristinaw. I have been prepared to read. And yes ive already viewed that article about a dozen times before you mentioned it. Unfortunately its extremely confusing. So I was hoping for a breakdown. However I will try each of your suggestions and get back to you.

kristinaw

if you've already read it that's great. the fun thing about working in a lab environment is there's no severe consequences for breaking things, so go for it and just see what happens. great learning experience.

kris.