asked on

Primary Domain Failed

Hi,
My main server crashed. I have a second controller that replicates AD and my files but for some reason my users cannot authenicate to it. When I open the AD on the server it says it can't connect to the domain. I assumed ( I know I know) that if my PDC failed users would still be able to access the second server and authenicate.

What am I missing? I was hopinng to have at least some people working on the second server while I repair the main one.

Both are Server 2003.

thanks

Graeme

Mike Kline

Is your primary a global catalog server too? Is your secondary a DNS server too and are your clients pointing to that DNS server for secondary?
Thanks
Mike

Plaintree_Systems

ASKER

I am going to say yes to the GC and the secondary has DNS replicated, but no the clients are not pointed to it. They are pointing to the firewall - gateway and the dead server.

G

g000se

Hi,

You will need to transfer FSMO roles to the other DC. Here is the link- http://www.petri.co.il/transferring_fsmo_roles.htm

Also if the down DC was running DHCP, you will need to install that service on another DC with the correct parameters.

g000se

Before the FSMO transfer if needed, have you tried to boot the down DC from "last known good configuration"?

SOLUTION

g000se

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Plaintree_Systems

ASKER

i am getting a " no operating system found" on the downed server. It never came back after a reboot this morning. I have two drives - and a SCSI Adaptec controller. both drives are showing "optimal" and I ran a verify on them no errors. nothing else is plugged in right now - no mouse, nic or external usbs.

Thanks for your help guys - S*&^T is hitting the fan LOL

Plaintree_Systems

ASKER

oh and the drives are showing as mirrored. 0 mirrorred (R1)

Mike Kline

Point them to the secondary for DNS...try your machine or a test machine....can you logon after that?

Thanks

Mike

Plaintree_Systems

ASKER

i managed to just get the PDC up and running - I will be back in a bit - I appreciate the help and still have a some questions

stay tuned lol

Mike Kline

***IMPORTANT***

Since your original is up and running don't seize any FSMO roles while it is up. You only seize when you know the original is not coming back online....ever.

Thanks

Mike

Plaintree_Systems

ASKER

Thanks - I will not seize anything except a smoke and beer --

Can I transfer the rolls over to my other DC instead of siezing them. I am going to have to take this server back offline as I nnow don't trust it and still don't know why it would boot. - SuperMicro apparently has this issue.

G

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Mike Kline

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