How can I rename a Windows Server 2003 domain controller (DC)?

Start a command-prompt session.

Add the new name to the current server (it will now have two names) by typing

netdom computername  /add:

For example, when I typed

netdom computername gotham.savilltech.com /add:omega.savilltech.com

my computer displayed the following message:

Successfully added omega.savilltech.com as an alternatename for the computer.The command completed successfully.

If multiple DNS servers are used, you must wait until the new name replicates to all authoritative DCs. After the new name has replicated, continue to the next step.

Make the new name the primary name for the machine by typing

netdom computername  /makeprimary:

For example, when I typed

netdom computernamegotham.savilltech.com /makeprimary:omega.savilltech.com

my computer displayed the following message:

Successfully made omega.savilltech.com the primaryname for the computer. The computer must be rebooted forthis name change to take effect. Until then this computermay not be able to authenticate users and other computers,and may not be authenticated by other computers in theforest. The specified new name was removed from the listof alternate computer names. The primary computer name willbe set to the specified new name after the reboot.The command completed successfully. 

Reboot the computer.

After you reboot the machine, wait until all the domain locator records replicate to all authoritative DNS servers. After the replication is complete, check to ensure that the rename worked successfully by checking the name on the Computer Name tab of the Control Panel System applet. You can also view all computer names by typing

netdom computername  /enumerate

For example, when I typed

netdom computername omega.savilltech.com /enum

my computer displayed the following:

All of the names for the computer are:omega.savilltech.comgotham.savilltech.comThe command completed successfully. 

You can now remove the old name by typing

netdom computername  /remove:

For example, when I typed

netdom computernameomega.savilltech.com /remove:gotham.savilltech.com

my computer displayed the following:

Successfully removed gotham.savilltech.com as an alternatename for the computer.The command completed successfully.