Any way to remove Active Directory?

[bobolito]

I want to demote a new server whose installation of AD has gone sour. I tried to make this server the new PDC in order to replace an old PDC. I transferred all 5 roles and the global catalog to the new server, but for some reason clients did not want to use the new server to log in. In other words, if I turn off the old server and leave the new one running, clients can't login anymore. I tried tranferring back the roles to the old server but Windows said it could not find the old server even though it is working fine. I can see the AD accounts and information from both servers.

Since I couldn't transfer the roles back to the old server, I tried to just demote the new server. It didn't let me because it couldn't find the old server even though the old server is running fine. I tried choosing that this was the last server in the domain, but then it said that this is not the last server and it didn't let me demote regardless of what I did. Is there any other way to remove AD without having to re-install Windows 2000? I had too much information in that server and I can't afford to lose all the settings, shared folders, shared printers, etc.

Also, is there any way to back up the AD database somewhere so in case of disaster I can reload it?

Thanks...

 

[bobolito]

By the way, I had to seize the roles back to the old server so now the old server is assuming the 5 roles and global catalog again. However, the new server doesn't want to be demoted.

 

[rphips]

Hey

Question?

Have you taken the new server off line rebooted them try to demote it?

If you have and it still won't demote you will have to use the support tools and having the new server as a stand alone (not connected to the network) clean the AD then retry to demote it

It should do the trick.

Now before you go and demolish all your services did you check a few things first

DHCP settings:

After removing the new server you have to force the PCs to release thier old IP addresses and get a new one from your new DC.

DNS
Make sure all settings are correct

Remember test the new server with the old one offline before you transfer any data.

rphips

 

[bobolito]

Thanks for your response. I am not sure if I tried demoting after rebooting, but I will try that. When you say to use the support tools, which support tool program are you talking about? Is there another besides DCPROMO?

About DHCP, I have another server handling DHCP, so the new server is not and will not take care of that.

About DNS, both the old and new server are doing DNS. I believe the settings are correct. They are resolving addresses just fine.

I will try demoting the new server while disconnected from the LAN on Monday when I go back to the office.

Thanks a lot.

 

[oceanid1]

don't quite get it did you create a seconardy dc and then move the fsmo roles.to my knowledge you need a secondary dc and move the roles then force replication between the two severs before trying to demote the pdc reboot the systems and then demote the pdc