Server 2003 demote issue

I went through DCPROMO of our last server 2003 DC to make it a member server but now it's just stuck at "making network connections".
What I did:
-this existing network is Server 2008R2 network with a 2008R2 DC and server 2012R2 DC (2003 functional domain)
-these servers are now primary DNS servers in  DHCP settings
-all FSMO roles transferred successfully to 2008 DC
-remove 2003 server as GC
-exported from 2003 DC to 2008 DC
-run DCPROMO
-it failed somewhere at NETLOGON finding 2008 DC
-DCPROMO wizard ended unsuccessfully
-checked NIC setting on this 2003DC and saw that it was pointing to itself as primary DNS  server; changed it to 2008 DC
-Ran DCPROMO again and this time it conmpleted successfully.
-rebooted and now stuck at "making network connections"
-checked AD sites and services and NTDS folder now gone from 2003 server as it should be
-AD users and computers shows it in Computers not Domain Controllers as it should
-Have rebooted in without LAN cable plugged in but just sits there for hrs
-booted in safe mode with networking but sits there with same msg

I'm at a loss. I need this server up as a member server.