Replacing Domain controller hardware

[computerdude60]

I am replacing an existing Win2k server with newer hardware. It is one of 3 domain controllers in the site and also one of two wins servers in this site. It was not the first domain controller in the domain so I assume it is not the catalog master.
I am sure someone has done this before so any advice would be helpfull.
What is the best way to restore the info to the new hardware.
Should I demote this server and convert it to a member server?
Can I just install the operating system then restore an impage form the other server over it? (we use arcserve for backup)
Does anyone know of a good source for info on doing a hardware swap of a working server?

 

[SelbyGlenn]

If the server is still up and running then I would demote it first and then remove it from the domain. Make sure its account is gone from AD. Connect to another WINS server and remove it from the replication. Is it running DHCP server? If so you need to back the DHCP database up first before scrapping the server. There's a MS Q article on this on technet. Make sure that the server is no longer visible under AD Sites and Services. If it is then you will probably have to use NTDSUTIL to remove it from AD.

Once AD is clean, Build the server with new hardware, join domain, add DNS, DHCP (if required. Do not activate until after DCPROMO) and WINS. Then DCPROMO it.

Under no cirumstances should you try to restore AD from Arcserve. You have other DC's in your domain that hold the required info. Restoring AD into an exisiting domain will completely screw up your Active Directory.

Hope this helps.




Glenn
BEng MCSE CCA

 

[computerdude60]

Other servers handle DNS and DHCP so that is not an issue for me. I agree I do not want to restore AD from Arcserve so demoting it seems to be the best solution. This server also does some file sharing. I plan to restore the shared files last so the permissions don't get messed up. I want to make sure it is functioning in the domain properly before any restore.
Thanks for the help.

Tim