How do i promote a server 2008 to DC without the PDC
I am building a new server 2008 AD DC for a company but wanted to sync the new server with the old. I was in a hurry and only synced the AD but didnt promote the new server. Can I promote the new server even though the PDC is not around?
Hypercat (Deb)
Could you describe exactly what you did? What did you sync? There's no way to synchronize Active Directory unless it is installed, and if it is installed, then the server is a domain controller. There's no such thing as a "PDC" unless you are referring to the PDC Emulator role. If this is what you are talking about, all you need to do is seize the PDC Emulator role. In AD Users and Computers, right-click the domain name, choose Operations Masters, click on the PDC tab and click the Change button to set the current DC to be the PDC Emulator.
ASKER
I joined the new to the old domain. installed active directory and did a dcpromo. I have already done that. a box came up saying that it would have to be forced so I did. the RID said that it could not contact the PDC. and right now I am not able to connect an aditional server to the domain.
OK, then you'll have to seize it using Ntdsutil.exe. Here's a helpful article, the last section has the steps for using ntdsutil to seize the role:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255504
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255504
ASKER
I have tried that and the command prompt tells me that the current FSMO holder could not be contacted. If necessary, I will arrange to connect to the old server and transfer roles after hours.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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