asked on

Error when changing Computer Name in the Domain

Hi,
I get this all the time. In Windows SBS2003 Network, if I want to rename the computer name from "PC1" to "PC2", I have to always disjoint the workstation from the domain, restart the computer, rename the computer, restart the computer, join the computer to the domain, and finally restart the computer.

Is there any way that I can simply rename the computer on the workstation or from SBS2003 server?

Thanks

Chris Millard

It sounds, from that error, that you may have mapped drives to a server share. Try just disconnecting any mapped drives then try renaming.

sglee

ASKER

@roybridge
OK. I will try that.

sglee

ASKER

I removed all the mapped drives to the server/SBS2003 and tried it, but I got the same error. As seen in "My Computer" windows, all the mapped drives have been disconnected.

Nagendra Pratap Singh

You can remove from domain, change to workgroup and readd to domain using different name without rebooting.

VirastaR

Hi,

Try this

How To Use the Netdom.exe Utility to Rename a Computer in Windows Server 2003

Additional Info:
How to rename computers with the domain?

Hope that helps :)

donnk

restart try again

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Rob Williams

membership

This solution is only available to members.

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

Start Free Trial

sglee

ASKER

@RobWill
After removing mapped drives (net use * /delete /y), I was able to change the name of the computer immediately. No need to dis-join or rejoin.

Thanks.

Rob Williams

Good to hear.
--Rob