Decomissioning a DC server in a multiple DC network

FAQ : Decomissioning a DC server in a multiple DC network
This document details the correct way to remove a DC server from a multi-DC domain.

1] Transfer the FMSO roles over

Changing owner of FSMO roles:

There are five FSMO roles: Domain naming Master, Schema Master, RID Master, PDC Emulator and Infrastructure Master. There must be a domain controller that owns each one of those roles.

To change the owner of RID, PDC and Infrastructure Masters, open Active Directory Users and Computers on domain controller you want to move the roles to, right-click domain name, choose Operations Masters and click Change in appropriate windows.

To change the owner of Domain naming Master, open Active Directory Domains and Trusts on domain controller you want to move the role to, right-click Active Directory Domains and Trusts, choose Operations Masters and click Change.

To change the owner of Schema Master, open Active Directory Schema on domain controller you want to move the role to, right-click Active Directory Schema, choose Operations Master and click Change.

For more information see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q255690

2] Transfer the Global Catalogue role

Changing owner of Global Catalog:

Open Active Directory Sites and Services console, go to Sites\Site Name\Servers\, expand the server you want to demote, right-click NTDS Settings and choose Properties, in the window that appears un-check Global Catalog and click OK. After doing so go to same place in server you want to hold the Global Catalog and check Global Catalog at NTDS Settings\Properties. After making these changes wait about fifteen minutes till the Global Catalog replicate between domain controllers, after it you can continue with further configurations.

3] Make sure the server isn't sharing any files

4] Run a DCPROMO and make the server a standalone server

5] Remove the machine from the domain or downgrade to a workgroup machine

6] Run NETDIAG on other servers.

Ash.