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Demoting primary domain controller

Hi:
Existing network uses W2K server as primary domain controller. Need to add new W2K3 server as the primary domain controller, but keep the existing W2K server on the network.
Can I simply join all workstations to the new W2K3 domain controller without issues? Or,,must I first demote the W2K server to a member server?
Appreciate input as need to get this done right away.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Brian Pierce

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slam69

hi check teh following gives you a good checklist of what you need to do and how to get to the point of running dcpromo on the 2003 server

http://www.petri.co.il/forums/showthread.php?t=10815

Brian Pierce

If you do it as above you will simply replace the DC - no need to remove and re-add the machines from the domain.

WimDL

There is no such thing as a primary domain controller in an AD environment. Just add the W2K3 server as an additonal DC into your AD domain. If you like you can then demote the W2K server. But it is VERY good pratice to always have a minimum of 2 DC's. W2K and W2K3 can easily co-exist in the same domain, so I would recommend to keep the two in your domain.

zackery

ASKER

Thanks for all the quick feedback! The w2k3 is already at a domain controller status and I would prefer to make it the domain controller that all the workstations point to instead of the W2K domain controller. So, is it correct that I can just add the W2K3 domain controller to existing network, point the workstations to this new W2K3 server and still keep the existing W2K domain controller on the network as is?

WimDL

yes. definitively keep the w2k server as a DC. It will provide redudancy in case the w2k3 server fails (and vice versa)

zackery

ASKER

KCTS: The current W2K DC is online and in service with Exchange 2003 also installed. What is the risk of installing adprep /forestprep
and
adprep /domainprep ?

Should I take this W2K DC off line before running these preps?

Thanks.

zackery

ASKER

This worked out just great yesterday for my situation. Much appreciated