Question

Rename Hostname of SBS2003 server

Asked by: d_s_s

Two companies merging together; both have small business server 2003 with, ironically, the same hostname. I realize the potentiality negative impact here. However, is it possible and, relatively, easy to rename the hostname of one of the servers? I suspect not easy. Any input is appreciated.

More info:
Both have active IIS/Exchange services
Different domain/org names
Same physical network

Thanks,
dss

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Asked On
2009-11-23 at 16:47:32ID24925410
Tags

sbs2003 small business server 2003 rename hostname

Topics

SBS Small Business Server

,

Windows 2003 Server

Participating Experts
3
Points
250
Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: mobiusNZPosted on 2009-11-23 at 16:54:41ID: 25893030

Even if you could rename the hostname (which you can't short of reloading the OS), SBS does not allow multiple A/D or Exchange servers on the one network.

 

by: d_s_sPosted on 2009-11-23 at 17:06:39ID: 25893080

Well, by "allow" you are referring to licensing, correct?

My idea is: a) consolidate data onto one server (where applicable), or b) create two separate networks.

 

by: mobiusNZPosted on 2009-11-23 at 17:39:04ID: 25893227

Two active directory servers on separate domains will not function well at all on a single network (DHCP, DNS, Authentication, etc, conflicts)...

Option a) would be best - Exchange can happily accommodate multiple domains. The hurdle would be migrating the A/D login domain across.

 

by: d_s_sPosted on 2009-11-23 at 17:48:11ID: 25893259

MobiusNZ,

I realize DHCP and DNS conflicts; these have to be disabled on one of the servers. I believe that SBS2003 is limited to being a "packaged deal" that sets in stone a few things because many things are integrated and hard-coded.

Thanks for your response so far.

 

by: mobiusNZPosted on 2009-11-23 at 19:10:12ID: 25893706

Disabling the DHCP and DNS will only help so much. How can the client PCs know which server to authenticate off?

If it was me in this situation I would rebuild it as one server, or if the site was too big, switch to using multiple standard servers (or EBS 2008).

 

by: mark_3094Posted on 2009-11-23 at 20:04:40ID: 25894009

You can have two domains on one network. You shouldn't have two DHCP servers though.
If a PC is a member of a domain, it will authenticate from the domain it belongs to.
DNS queries will go to the IP specified in the clients TCP/IP settings.

However, if the domains are the same you will run into troubles.

Technically, if the domains are different (eg, domain1.com and domain2.com), even if the hostnames are the same (eg, server), the FQDN is different (server.domain1.local and server.domain2.local)

Having said all that, you will still run into troubles as mentioned before, as everything would have to be referred to by FQDN, not just host name.

I would also suggest migrating to one of the domains (depending on how many users and computers you have)

With SBS 2003, you can get a transition pack which will enable you to move to normal (non-SBS) servers.

 

by: Harel66Posted on 2009-11-23 at 23:23:12ID: 25894749

2 SBS servers in one domain is bad they randomly decide to turn off one of them. no warning, no log entery, just 'hey it's noon and they're busy lets flip for wich server shut down.'

the negative impact of crippling one SBS server enough to get around the limitations of SBS just isn't worth it.
either merge them together and re-install one of them as a std server. or get a transition pack and remove the SBS limitations.

 

by: d_s_sPosted on 2009-11-24 at 18:11:39ID: 25903609

Thanks for everyone's responses.

Here was the end-result

-Two separate companies w/ possible collaboration.
-Same physical location.
-SBS servers on own network segment.

Gives breathing room for operation and future departure in timely fashion.

 

by: d_s_sPosted on 2009-11-24 at 18:13:13ID: 31657882

Answer was partial but resolved concerns/questions that were originally asked without meeting original requirements as stated by original post. Thanks.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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