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Demote Domain And Join existing Domain

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chrab

Programmer
Jan 13, 2006
10
US
I already have a server running my domain and active directory. I purchased a used server that was also the domain controller. Can Someone tell me how to demote or remove the new servers domain and join my existing one? Thanks
 
If you don't care about the user and computer accounts on the used server, just run DCPROMO to remove active directory. Then re-run DCPROMO and add it to your existing AD.

If you need to keep the user and computer accounts from the used server (don't know why you would?), create a trust between the two domains and migrate the accounts using ADMT.

Good Luck !!!
 
Why would you not take the time to format the 'used server'??

Removing AD should not be a hassle using whokilledkenny's instructions but you will be left with any legacy problems from the previous install.

I'd format and re-install from scratch.

Installing win server 2003 looks very similar to a XP installation and is not that time consuming?
(Make sure you are on top of any SCSI/RAID driver configurations though :) )

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers.
 
I agree with Blakey2. In the long wrong you'll probably appreciate it.

Its nice to start with something you know, rather than pick up something someone else has done.

Windows and NT Admin.
 
Let's hear it for that suggestion, blakey2 and ScottCr. I picked up a used server for free once. It used to be in another domain and it had SMS installed on it. Well, SMS was still there even though the domain and the associated SQL Server were no longer in existance, and it was a real bear to get the box in working order.

I did not want to reinstall Windows, but it really was the best option when I saw the garbage left behind on the original install.

Jason
 
chrab, unless you got the media WITH the server you HAVE to uninstall and use media that you have licensed.

I agree with the above consensus anyway. You have no idea what problems you could inherrit. Start from scratch and be done with it. Heck, I'd take the server home and load it up while watching your favorite TV show, then bring it into the office to join it to the domain and DCPROMO if you want to make it a DC for the existing domain.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark
 
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