Domain Controller Reboot - Network Stops!

[DJCopa]

Hi All,

We have 2 x Domain Controllers on our network and separate member servers for SQL and Exchange. Domain Controller 1 holds all the FSMO roles and is a GC. Domain Controller 2 is also a GC. Each DC has itself set as Preferred DNS, with the other set as Alternate.
DC2 was the PDC but began to age - We moved all roles to DC1 which was a new server 'just in case'.

The problem we have is if DC2 needs a restart the entire network grinds to a halt - If DC1 is restarted, network continues to function.

DC2 is getting on a bit, but we are unable to power it off for long periods as it still appears to have some key roles assigned, but 'netdom query fsmo' shows DC1 for all roles.

Are we missing something obvious?

Thanks in advance.

 

[pagy]

What is the DNS config on your client machines and/or member servers?

You should have both DC1 and DC2 set on member machines as the preferred and alternate DNS server

Paul
VCP4

https://www.mcpvirtualbusinesscard.com/VBCServer/PaulP/profile

RFC 2795 - The Infinite Monkey Protocol Suite (IMPS)

http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc2795.html

Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week

 

[DJCopa]

Hi Pagy,

I should have added that - Yes, all member servers have DC1 as preferred and DC2 as alternate. I haven't tried removing DC1 from the DNS config completely, as would like it to work as an old style BDC to keep network running if the other DC goes down.

Thanks for the reply though.