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DC Died! How to connect existing exchange server to new DC?

We only have 2 servers. I exchange 2000 NON-DC and the other a 2000 DC.

Our only DC server blew up. We are building a new DC but don't really know how to restore the AD to include the exchange server.

Is there a documented procedure from Microsoft that may help?

Thanks

Chris Dent

Hi,

First things first... Do you have a backup of the Domain Controller? Really interested in the System State.

If you do, do you have a server you want to install it onto ready?

You cannot use the Exchange server as a DC now (not with Exchange already installed), that is not supported by MS and likely to lead to all kinds of problems (like Exchange breaking as well).

HTH

Chris

dirkspearing

ASKER

Yes we have the system state backup of the DC - NOT tested yet. What happens if the system state is not available?

We also have a new server with OS ready to install as the new DC.

We do NOT want to use the existing exchange server as a DC.

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Chris Dent

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Chris Dent

I need to head off home, but hopefully I'll be able to catch up with you later (when I get home) to help out again.

Assuming the server restores you will need to check the event logs for errors to make sure everything came backup properly. Especially services like DNS.

As a slight note of caution, if the Exchange server refuses to talk to AD don't delete it's computer account - it won't like that. But you can disjoin the Exchange from the network, Reset the computer account in AD and rejoin it.

However, given that your DC hasn't been down long I wouldn't expect problems with that.

Chris

dirkspearing

ASKER

Thanks Chris -

We will begin performing the resore starting around 6pm MST. Have all weekend to get it right.

I assume we will have no problems building the new server hardware with the same server name and IP address of the old DC.

Rodlab

Just FYI, you DO NOT need to install AD onto the new server, you DO have to boot into dir restore mode as Chris has already said, but the system state restore will handle all of the AD stuff.

Time is of the essence, so don't worry about DCPROMO stuff......

Jason