2K Domain Name Change using 2K3?

[kopar]

I have read two solutions for changing the domain name on a Windows server 2000 system. One requires the use of an NT4 box that replicates the AD then gets promoted. The other solution (the one most preferred by MS) is to upgrade to 2K3 and use the Domain Name Change Tool.

Our company is running 2K, needs to change the domain name from company.net to company.com, has a license for 2K3, but is not prepared to spend money on the CALs to bring us to compliance for the new server system.

I am wondering if the following scenario is plausible:

1. Set up a 2K3 server as a BDC to the 2K Server (company.net), transfer the roles, etc.
2. Demote the 2K server to a member server.
3. Use the Domain Name Change tool for 2K3 to convert our AD from company.net to company.com
4. Promote 2K server to a DC, transfer roles, etc.
5. Take 2K3 server offline.

I think it should work, and I am in the process of setting up a test environment to see if, indeed it will.
I would like to know if there are any caveats that I should be concerned with, or if this is possible at all.

--Kopar

 

[mlichstein]

The first option (replicating AD to an NT box then promoting it) makes no sense. NT DCs do not replicate the AD, and also do not use DNS, a big part of your name change.

You second plan sounds plausible, but highly generalized. A domain rename, while possible in 2003, is not an operation to take lightly at all. It WILL break everything on your network that uses the domain. EVERY machine (including the DCs) will need to be rebooted multiple times. It is a very complex process whose success depends greatly on what types of services on running on the network currently.

I highly suggest you read the two docs on the following website very carefully and decide if you want to proceed.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/downloads/domainrename.mspx

If you do, a test environment that closely resembles the production environment is strongly recommended.

 

[GlenJohnson]

One thing you left out, how big is your network. If you have two servers and five clients, don't worry about it. Just set up a new w2k server with the new name. If it's a large network, then mlichstein is correct, and you're really want to do your homework. Why is this being changed to begin with? Good luck.

Glen A. Johnson
If you're from Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin check out Tek-Tips in Chicago, Illinois Forum.

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