cannot demote server, major issues

[LoffKat79]

Hi, I recently tried to demote 2 2000 domain controllers and replace them with a new 2003 PDC. The demotions did not take. Every time I tried to run dcpromo I would get
"The operation failed because:
A domain controller could not be contacted for the domain somestudio.com that contained an account for this computer. Make the computer a member of a workgroup then rejoin the domain before retrying the promotion.
"The security database on the server does not have a computer account for this workstation trust relationship.""
I cannot join a work group because I get
"Note: The identification of the computer cannot be changed because: - The computer is a domain controller."
I tried dcpromo.exe /forceremoval which gave the same as the longer message above. I downloaded dumpfsmos.cmd and that didn’t seem to work either.

I really do not wish to call Microsoft and for $250 have them tell me I have to format the machine. This exact problem is on another old dc as well. Please help!

 

[markdmac]

First make sure that you have DNS configured on these machines so that it points to whatever server is staying in the domain.

What results do you get when you run DCDIAG and NETDIAG?

Take a look at my FAQ faq96-4733 for some additional pointers.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

 

[teckystuff]

You are trying to demote 2 servers but do you have other servers that are still acting as DCs?