asked on

2008 Server Secondary DC not joining domain

Experts,

I had to rebuild a virtual server that acts as our secondary DC. I'm now trying to rejoin it to the domain so it can function as a "backup" domain controller. Problem is when I try and join it to the domain I get the error:

the following error occurred attempting to join the domain the specified account already exists.

Open in new window

Adam Brown

Search your AD for a computer that has the name of the computer that you are trying to join. If the host name already exists in AD, it will prevent you from joining the Domain. You'll need to either rename the server or remove the existing object.

Steve Marin

ASKER

It exists under the folder Domain Controllers. Is it ok to remove it from there?

Adam Brown

Only if you are certain that the system with that name doesn't actually exist yet. If you created the account in AD before adding the server, you should be able to safely remove it. Just be aware that if there is a server with that name acting as a DC you can cause some problems by removing it (there is some low level information in the Active Directory Database that isn't removed when you remove a DC account).

KenMcF

It sounds like you still have data from the old DC in your AD. You will need to do a metadata cleanup of that data. You can follow these steps.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/216498

Mike Kline

If it exists under the Domain Controllers make sure the DC was removed properly.
You can go through the metadata cleanup procedures (From a good DC)
http://www.petri.co.il/delete_failed_dcs_from_ad.htm

Thanks
Mike

Steve Marin

ASKER

Here is what happened, we deleted the virtual disk that was our secondary dc, it's name was CCCHPDC02, we also have currently and is our main DC named CCCHPDC01. We just did a fresh install of 2008 server and just want to make it like before so we gave it the same name and just want to join it and let it be a secondary DC in case CCCHPDC01 ever goes down.

Adam Brown

Well, then you'll need to follow the instructions given by Ken and MIke. If a DC fails, you need to clear it from active directory and do a metadeta cleanup to purge the low level data. If you don't do that, it can cause a lot of problems. Once all that's done, you should be able to add the new DC without any problems.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Mike Kline

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Steve Marin

ASKER

@mkline71, awesome that worked, thanks so much! That was very easy compared to if this was not a 2008 server. thanks all!

Steve Marin

ASKER

Thanks!

Mike Kline

Glad to help out, just a heads up, you can also split points when you close out the question.
In this case Ken and AC also provided good info (for a split)
Thanks
Mike