Change host name of domain controller?

[skhoury]

Hello all,

I have a question for you:

I have a server on my network that is a domain controller. Not the master one, but a DC none-the-less. I need to change the host name of this machine. Is there an easy way to do this, or must I de-promote the server first?

Many thanks in advance,

Sam

 

[mlichstein]

Not on Windows 2000. You have to demote first.

On 2003 you can do this without demoting.

 

[skhoury]

Wonderful. I was hopeing that I wouldnt have to do that. Thanks for your help mlichstein!

Salim

 

[dholbrook]

WIn 2000 will not allow you to change a DC host name as long as it is a DC.

Run DCPROMO to remove it from the DC role, remove it from the domain, change the host name, rejoin the domain and then run DCPROMO again to promote the system back to DC role. This forces a DNS update also.

After taking the server out of the Domain, be sure to reboot it before adding it back into the domain to clear out the DNS listing. After you have added it back, etc., with the new name, check your DNS to be sure the old name is gone and the new is now listed as a domain member.

HTH,

David