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Rename Domain Controller, Then reuse the name for a new DC.

I want to make our primary Active Directory domain controller into the secondary AC DC. Our current Windows 2008 server is named John. The secondary server (newer) 2012 is named Joe. I want to rename John to Andrew. Then I want to rename Joe to John.

This is necessary because all of our Group Policies are managed by John; all of our users log into John; and many users have a desktop full of shortcuts which point to John. Both servers have FSMO roles and a current backup of data.

Can I use the properties to rename John to Andrew? Then use the properties to rename Joe to Andrew? I find a mixture of information on the web, saying this will and this won't work.

Has anyone done this with positive results? Or know of an alternative for this scenario?

SOLUTION

Scott C

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SOLUTION

Dariusz Tyka

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Steve McCarthy, MCSE, MCSA, MCP x8, Network+, i-Net+, A+, CIWA, CCNA, FDLE FCIC, HIPAA Security Officer

In today's domain environment, we really don't consider one DC Primary and one DC secondary, etc. All Domain controllers synchronize the Group Policies, so there is not issue there. What I would do is setup a Central Store for the Group Policies so that they all pull them from a synchronized Central store.

If you want to transfer around FSMO roles, you can do that at will.

There is no need, and I would highly recommend against that, to renaming your Domain Controllers.

So, just create the central store. Bring up the new DC and let it synchronize. The redistribute your FSMO roles as you want them. Easy Cheesy.

Juneaucounty

ASKER

The reason for changing names is to give the newer server the name of the current server, because users log into the server named John, and their shortcuts point to John. We have over 200 users, many with a desktop full of shortcuts, and most do not have the understanding to be able to change their shortcuts.
I want to rename the current John server to Andrew, and keep it also as a domain controller, but the newer server would handle the logons, etc.

SOLUTION

David Johnson, CD

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ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Steve McCarthy, MCSE, MCSA, MCP x8, Network+, i-Net+, A+, CIWA, CCNA, FDLE FCIC, HIPAA Security Officer

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Juneaucounty

ASKER

Yes, they log into a file share, not the DC.
I think what you're telling me will make this work much better. Server names don't really matter.
Thank you for your clarification and assistance.

Pber

No comment has been added to this question in more than 21 days, so it is now classified as abandoned.

I have recommended this question be closed as follows:

Split:
-- Steve McCarthy MCSE MCSA MCP x8 Network+ i-Net+ A+ CIWA CCNA FDLE FCIC HIPAA Security Officer (https:#a42337599)
-- Dariusz Tyka (https:#a42337178)
-- Scott C (https:#a42337161)
-- David Johnson CD MVP (https:#a42337484)

If you feel this question should be closed differently, post an objection and the moderators will review all objections and close it as they feel fit. If no one objects, this question will be closed automatically the way described above.

Pber
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