Converting PDC to stand-alone server...Can it be done?

[WoodLark]

We need to convert our present PDC to a stand-alone server.<br>The official Microsoft position is that this cannot be done<br>without re-installing NT Server.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, we are running SQL Server on this machine (its the reason for wanting to convert) and we do not want to have to re-install SQL Server.&nbsp;&nbsp;Does anyone know if this can be done and how to do it?&nbsp;&nbsp;As an interim step, we plan to bring a new PDC on line<br>and demote the current one to BDC.

 

[TrueMan]

I don't know how this sounds to you but i resently encountered this, it only a suggestion.You could ask others opinion before trying it.<br><br>I think you should shut down the present PDC, <br>promote someother BDC to PDC or get another PDC online.<br>Then put on the shut down former PDC, now i don't know if there will be a conflict of some sort or if the booting up former PDC will recognise the authority of the new PDC and humbly becomes (or give you a configuration interface to make it a) BDC.<br><br>How does that sound?<br><br>---<br>ndi,<br>MCP<br>TCP/IP Administrator, Brainbench.

 

[WoodLark]

There is no problem demoting the PDC to BDC.&nbsp;&nbsp;The problem is making the now BDC (used to be PDC) a Member Server on the domain (not a PDC or BDC).

 

[theripper]

WoodLark-<br><br>I do not think its possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if you demote it to a BDC and move it into another segment/network - it will always try to search for the PDC.<br><br>If you do find a way to make this conversion, please let us know.&nbsp;&nbsp;I'd be interested in the final results.

 

[MasterRacker]

The server vs DC choice is made at setup time only.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can't change either way once the machine is setup. <p> Jeff<br><a href=mailto: masterracker@hotmail.com> masterracker@hotmail.com</a><br><a href= > </a><br> Of all the things I've lost in life, I miss my mind the most ...

 

[MrGeek]

Heh, SQL on a DC?&nbsp;&nbsp;Well I will be nice.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyhow, although many will tell you of some fairy tale that they can deomte DC's to stand alones, dont listen to em.&nbsp;&nbsp;Backup your data, re-install and have a happy rest of the day knowing you performed this in the best possible way &nbsp;&nbsp; <p>The Geek<br><a href=mailto: > </a><br><a href= > </a><br>Dont be afraid to share what you know. There are no losers in our arena, only self rightous monkeys atop their own tree.

 

[RandallG]

Listen to MrGeek and whoever advised you to install SQL Server on a DC? Don't install anything other than NT on this server - unless this isn't a serious database.

 

[RandallG]

Listen to MrGeek! Who advised you to install SQL Server on a DC? Don't install anything other than NT on this server - unless this isn't a serious database.

 

[vraag]

It's impossible to demoting the PDC to BDC, i don't know how mr. woodlark came up with that idea????

 

[WoodLark]

Vraag,&nbsp;&nbsp;It is very easy to demote a PDC to a BDC.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just promote your existing BDC to PDC and the PDC is automatically demoted if it is on line.&nbsp;&nbsp;I've done it.

 

[mcp]

Hi<br><br>The only solution is to backup your data and install your windows NT on stand-alone server.<br><br>It is impossible to convert or promote your PDC to stand-alone server<br><br>demote or promote are concerning only a PDC &lt;---&gt; BDC<br><br><br>Good Luck<br>

 

[Zelandakh]

It is very easy to change your PDC into a member server. Simply insert the NT Server disk into your CD ROM drive, restart, reformat and reinstall.<br><br>A very simple process. <p>Zel<br><a href=mailto:zel@zelandakh.co.uk>zel@zelandakh.co.uk</a><br><a href= > </a><br>

 

[rajlobban]

well.... i guess you got the answer.<br>RE-Install... but first see if yu can do any type of backing-up....<br>hush!<br>

 

[MasterRacker]

You may be able to install a second instance of NT on the server.&nbsp;&nbsp;Install it as a member server and configure to boot to that instance.&nbsp;&nbsp;You're joining the same domain, so a domain administrator ID should give youa ccess to the datafiles on the disks. <p> Jeff<br><a href=mailto: masterracker@hotmail.com> masterracker@hotmail.com</a><br><a href= > </a><br> Of all the things I've lost in life, I miss my mind the most ...

 

[WoodLark]

MasterRacker's suggestion is the best I've heard so far.&nbsp;&nbsp;We have found a commercial software product that claims to be able to change between DC's and Member Server's (either direction).&nbsp;&nbsp;It's called U-Promote.&nbsp;&nbsp;I've looked at a demo, and it looks promising so we are ordering it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Will let you all know how it turns out.

 

[WoodLark]

We got U-Promote and used it.&nbsp;&nbsp;It works as advertised so the answer is YES you can convert a domain controller to a member server without reinstalling NT.

 

[keninc]

If you try using as a BDC server services will constantly broadcast as domain controller.<br>It can't be done, once a PDC allways a PDC / BDc, you need to re install NT server as a stand alone.

 

[WoodLark]

Keninc, sorry, but you are wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;As described in my previous message, we used the product U-Promote to demote the server from a Domain Controller to a member server and it worked perfectly!&nbsp;&nbsp;The LAN now sees it as a member server.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the software publisher, the reverse is also possible, but we have not tried that (YET).

 

[ElmerG]

<br>Woodlark, pls who publishes this wonderful program U-<br>Promote and how can I acquire it?<br>tks.<br>

 

[WoodLark]

ElmerG,<br><br>U-Promote is published by Algin Software.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their URL is <br><A HREF="

http://www.algintech.com/utools"

TARGET="_new">

http://www.algintech.com/utools</A>