Restore from backup or Join as new DC

[kevin2003]

Hi,

I've 2 win2k server (sp4), the main one broke so the other one has been doing all the work. I had to create a new scope of DHCP and create a new WINS server so the second one can hand out ip and stuff. It is also my exchange 2000 server and file server. Now that I have rebuild the broken one, is it better to restore from tape (including system state) then let it sync with the working one? or is it better to run dcpromo and let it be DC again. I'm down to just one DC so I can not afford to have my DC broken. Any advices from past experience will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

If all FSMO roles and Networking Services have been moved to the working DC, then just add the new member server and dcpromo. Make sure the name is different from the old DC. If the old DC is still in AD, you may need to run a metadata cleanup. Make both of your DC's; Global Catalogs.

 

[kevin2003]

TechyMcSe2k,

Thank you very much for your help. A tech guy from microsoft told me that I need to make the name the same as the old DC, join the domain run dcpromo, etc... is that true?

Thanks,

Kevin Nguyen

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

Well I believe the proper way is to perform a non-authoritative restore, but since you moved all the roles and networking services to the working DC, their may be some unpleasant variables. I have done non-authoritatives restores before seizing roles and right back where we started. I believe my way will be cleaner, but if you paid Microsoft, give them a try. They kind of built this stuff.

 

[kevin2003]

No, we are not talking about a non-authoritative restore; and I do not like that method of restore to begin with. I really like your method my only remain question is the server name, does it need to be a new name or does it need to be of the same name???

Thanks,

Kevin Nguyen

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

If you go with my original idea, the name has to be different. This is because the DC in question failed and was not properly removed from AD by way of dcpromo...am I correct in assuming this?

Removing the failed DC from AD:

http://www.petri.co.il/delete_failed_dcs_from_ad.htm

 

[kevin2003]

TechyMCSE2,

Thank you very much for your information. I will follow your advices.

Thanks,

Kevin