JSI Tip 3544. How can I rename a Windows 2000 Domain Controller?

When a Windows 2000 Server is in service as a domain controller, it can NOT be renamed. If you demote the domain controller to a member server, you can rename it, and re-promote it to a DC, but this will loose Active Directory information.

Renaming a domain controller when it is the only DC

In order to rename the only DC in your domain, and preserve the Active Directory information that you configured, you must install another Windows 2000 Server and promote it to a domain controller, using Dcpromo.exe or the Configure Your Server Wizard. Then:

1. Use the Active Directory Sites and Services Microsoft Management Console (MMC) to force replication.

2. Make this new domain controller a Global Catalog server.

3. Transfer, NOT seize, all the FSMO roles, that the original domain controller holds, to the new DC.

4. Use Dcpromo.exe, or the Configure Your Server Wizard, to demote the domain controller that you wish to rename.

5. Rename the demoted server using Control Panel / System / Network Identification / Properties.

6. Use the Configure Your Server Wizard, or Dcpromo.exe, to promote the member server back to a domain controller.

7. Reconfigure all the FSMO roles and Global Catalog.

Renaming a domain controller when there a multiple domain controllers in the domain

The process for renaming a domain controller when at least one other DC exists in the domain is nearly identical to the above procedure.

The big difference is that you can:

1. Force replication.

2. Transfer FSMO roles.

3. Make another domain controller the Global Catalog.

4. Demote the domain controller that you wish to rename.

Without having to first promote a domain controller. You would then:

5. Rename the demoted server using Control Panel / System / Network Identification / Properties.

6. Use the Configure Your Server Wizard, or Dcpromo.exe, to promote the member server back to a domain controller.

7. Reconfigure all the FSMO roles and Global Catalog.