Removing a win2003 server from a domain 1

[mattclarke]

I have recently run into a string of problems with our 2003 standard edition server. originally we had a single domain controller on a win2000 server box. everything was peachy, then i added a 2003 server to replace the 2000 box. thats when the trouble began. there ahve been good days and bad days with connecting to this 2003 box. many more bad than good. so what i would like to do is remove the 2003 box from the domain, and start over with a new domain with only this 2003 box as the PDC.

what is the simplest way for me to go about this. I would like to keep the 2000 domain in place incase i need to resort back to it, but i KNOW FOR SURE, i want this 2003 box out of that domain.

in setting up the 2003 i took the steps M$ suggested in transferring roles to the 2003 box. Do i need to transfer those roles back to the 2000 machine?


when i have successfully removed the 2003 machine and start to create a new domain, can it be almost the same domain name? if our current domain is called "DOMAINX.PARTOFTHECOUNTRY" can the new one be called "DOMAINX.CITY" ? or will there be a conflict?

thanks in advance

 

[porkchopexpress]

Have you seen this doc? It might be worth a read before taking drastic action.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555040/en-us

 

[porkchopexpress]

If you decide to go along with starting over but keep the 2k domain then yes you will need to transfer the roles back before decommisioning the 2003 box.

As for the domain name if you are installing a new 2003 active directory with a new seperate DNS infrastructure then you can call it the same as the old domain.

 

[58sniper]

And remember - there is no such thing as a PDC or BDC in 2003

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

 

[TechCarnivore]

Pat, for my own sanity can you clarify what you've said?

 

[58sniper]

In Windows 2000 and 2003, there is no longer a "PDC" or "BDC" setup. All domain controllers can read/write to their databases.

There are 5 FSMO roles (two are forest wide, and 3 are domain wide) that handle different roles in Active Directory. Those roles can exist all on one DC, or spread out amongst different DCs. They can be moved on the fly.

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[porkchopexpress]

http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/w2k3/W2K3_FSMO.htm