restoring a root domain controller in windows 2000

[roxyboby]

Hi! all. I would like to know if there are any special steps to take to restore a root domain controller in a domain.
I have a domain with one root domain controller(server1) which is the DNS server, and an additional domain controller (server2). If for any reason the root domain controller fails!!!!!! What is the outcome??

I take backups of the root domain and the additional domain daily (system state, boot partition and the other drives as well)
Can I simple restore the backup set in case of a failure. Do I have to transfer the FSMO roles and all that stuff??

 

[markdmac]

If the server that fails is the former holder of FSMO roles, then you would need to seize the roles. If you have a working DC still on your network then your best bet is to restore the box offline, remove AD, make it a member of a workgroup and then have it rejoin the domain and make it a DC again. (Note that you would need to remove DDNS first to use DCPROMO to remove AD). Use the script found in my FAQ to forcefully remove a DC, it will wipe out any metadata references for the server. Then rejoin the domain as a member server and run DCPROMO to make it a DC again. Reinstall DDNS. Going this route will ensure normal replication will take place and you won't have to go messing with an Authoritative Restore of your AD.

If you only have DNS runing on the one server you should consider running it on the other DC and also make sure both are Global Catalog servers too. That way you are covered in case of a failure.

I hope you find this post helpful. Please let me know if it was.

Regards,

Mark