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Install new Domain controller with same name and Domain name as old one

I need to install a new Domain Controller on an existing domain. This machine also acts as a file server. The old server, which is the DC and a file server, has run out of space and the owner wants a new server.

There are about 60 workstations connected on the existing domain and about 10 unique users on the domain.

I would like to keep the domain name the same and the server name the same, since the client is used to working with those settings. I have replaced the DC before, but always have to rejoin the workstations to the new domain and re-configure email settings.

Is there a good way to demote the existing DC and then replace it with a new one with the same computer name and domain name, add the users and then have the workstations happily join the domain automatically?

The old Dc is Server 2008 R2 Standard and the new one is 2012. All workstations and Win7 Pro machines.

Please let me know if you need additional details.

Thanks in advance.

Joshua Grantom

That is definitely not good practice. What you should do is join the new server to the domain, transfer the FSMO roles to it and make it the PDC. Once everything is replicated to the new DC, then you can demote the old one. The server will have a different name but the domain will be the same.

You could also keep the old server as a secondary DC for redundancy.

Gabriel Clifton

I definitely agree with Grantom, it would be wise to add the server to the domain and transfer all roles.

Austinns

ASKER

Thanks for the comments...what is the proper way to tranfser the FSMO roles between the machines?

I am then guessing on the initial setup of the new server, I should not run the DCPROMO until it is onsite.

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Joshua Grantom

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Austinns

ASKER

Thanks...I will look that over this evening and follow up with questions tomorrow.

Austinns

ASKER

That link worked great, along with further research on the topic. Transfer went very smoothly.

Thanks for your help.

Joshua Grantom

I'm glad everything went smoothly!