Can you demote a backup domain controller to a file server? 1

[GaryMurray]

I have upgraded my domain to an AD domain with 2003 servers, I still have 2 NT4 BDC can I demote them just to file servers, or do I just remove them from the domain controllers list in AD.
I can't just remove them and switch them off as they are Oracle database servers.

How do I demote them?

 

[LiverpoolFan]

NT4 requires a rebuild to demote/promote from/to BDC's unfortunately.

However, I believe there are 3rd party utils that will do it, I would imagine though that you would have no chance of support from Microsoft if you did and things went wrong.

 

[GaryMurray]

if I delete them from the domain controllers list in AD, can I then raise the function level to 2003 or will they no longer be able to connect to the domain?

 

[skialta]

1. LiverpoolFan is correct about 3rd party utils..I've used UPromote many times with no issues. Does a great job of demoting NT 4 BDCs.

2. Once you demote them, you can then raise the functional level of your domain/forest. Also, make sure you have at least 2 or more DCs in your orginization for redundancy.