asked on

Windows 2003 domain rename

I have a Windows 2003 Server Standard that was just built with a ridiculously long domain name. I want to rename it to something else. We have not created any member ID's yet and there is no Exchange Server on this box.This server is replacing an older Windows 2003 Server Standard running in workgroup mode. All the desktops have not seen the new server yet or have ever seen a domoain controller. We are implementing the new server this weekend.

Can I safely rename the domain to another name? If so, what are your recommendations on how to do it?

Thanks.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

davorin

membership

This solution is only available to members.

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

Start Free Trial

wowrop

just look at

http://www.petri.co.il/windows_2003_domain_rename.htm

there should be no issues in your case.

davorin

"Renaming a domain is a very involved process and should be done only when absolutely necessary. "
from http://ignitedsoul.com/2010/01/10/renaming-a-domain/. You can see a lot of similar articles.

Why using a domain rename tool, when simply removing the domain form server and create a new one takes the same or less effort than using that tool. Yes, the tool works, but why starting with "dirty" AD just from beginning, if you can have a clean one. If you already had a working production AD environment I would understand...

abhijitwaikar

Domain Rename in Windows2003/2008
http://sandeshdubey.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/domain-rename-in-windows20032008/

Regards,
Abhijit Waikar.

mjbegin

ASKER

Thank-you. Sorry about the delay in getting back to you. Many other suggestions talked about using the rename tool. This approach was simple and it worked.