Retiring a primary NT Server

[kida]

We are planning to retire a primary NT server and here is what I've gathered on how to do it....


From the current primary - run DCPromo and promote the now secondary server (to be new primary server). This, I think, should promote the current secondary to primary and demote the current primary to secondary.... At that time, we can down the current primary - which, after dcpromo will be secondary... Using this method, I believe moves the SAM database from the current location to the new primary server location......?!?

Make sense????? Any thoughts.?

 

[epohl]

If this is NT 4.0 first make sure both the PDC and BDC are both running SP6a as SP5 and 4 can cause some problems. Then go into server manager and choose synchonize domain. After synchonization has completed chose the BDC in server manager and promote it to PDC.

 

[MztrNyceGuy]

kida,

epohl's suggestion is how you have to do it. Unless you are upgrading to Active directory I dont believe you want to use the DCpromo. However you did state that you want the sam database to move, in a normal NT4 PDC/BDC environment the sam database's are synchronized, and you dont need to copy over a sam.

regards,

 

[kida]

Thanks for the help... the server was promoted (forcing a demotion)and all worked great!

Thanks! Unfortunately, I was forced to perform this during normal working hours so... I was ever so slightly hesitant. But, all went as smooth as silk! Thanks again!

 

[MztrNyceGuy]

Kida,

Glad it worked out for you. Guess your "plans" didnt work out for retirement and it retired itself?

Regards