Techdw Posted February 5, 2015 Posted February 5, 2015 Hi All, I have a physical DC1 server and a VMware server as DC2. I need to replace the DC1 Server and want to know whats best practice for this. I want it to have the same IP and same Server name as well. Thanks
tmcd35 Posted February 5, 2015 Posted February 5, 2015 AFAIK, best practice would be - make sure DC2 has a copy of the Global Catalogue and migrate all FSMO roles to it. decommission DC1 safely using DCPromo Install new server from scratch with a fresh IP and new name. Do not re-use the existing name and IP for a new DC as it may cause problems with AD.
3s-gtech Posted February 5, 2015 Posted February 5, 2015 Transfer the FSMO roles to DC2. Make sure everything that DC1 currently runs is migrated to another server or replicated ready. Then demote DC1, and remove it from the domain. Build new DC1. Install everything you'll need, rename it, give it the same static IP and promote it to being a DC (I've not tried giving the same name myself, but IP address will be fine). Transfer the FSMO roles back, if needed.
Michael Posted February 5, 2015 Posted February 5, 2015 Alternatively setup the new DC as DC3 and a different IP, migrate everything across, then as above, demote DC1 and remove it from the domain (the correct way). Now rename DC3 to DC1 and change its IP accordingly. 1
edutech4schools Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 Now rename DC3 to DC1 and change its IP accordingly. Out of interest, does changing the IP and name of a DC not cause issues with DNS or AD?
3s-gtech Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 You can't rename an active DC, nor change its domain membership. The dialog box is blocked. You may be able to do it via Powershell, but this would be a bad plan. 1
fiza Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 I am just about to replace an old DC but I will just call the new one DC4. I already replaced DC2 with DC3. This way everyone knows its a new DC. Theres no real reason to give it the same name and IP is there?
localzuk Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 You can't rename an active DC, nor change its domain membership. The dialog box is blocked. You may be able to do it via Powershell, but this would be a bad plan. Yes you can. Its not advised, but netdom can do it fine. Rename Windows Server 2008 Domain Controllers - Petri and https://mizitechinfo.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/simple-guide-how-to-rename-server-2012-ad-host-name/ 1
3s-gtech Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 (edited) Changing its IP address isn't that scary though, depending on what's running and what's pointing at that address (having done this when I built a 2012 R2 DC to replace an ageing 2008 R2 one - new name, then just shoved it onto the old IP address so I didn't have to go changing the DNS server address on several hundred devices!). Yes you can. Sorry, I meant through the usual System GUI. Edited February 9, 2015 by 3s-gtech
Gardinho Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 If it was me doing this I'd just bring up a new clean DC3 with a new IP address, transfer the roles etc and demote/decommission DC1. I'd also forget about using the old IP. It would be a pain making sure the devices were binding to the new server but it would be short term pain for long term gain IMO. DCs can do funny things with replication/DNS etc so I just think it's not worth the risk. 1
Michael Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 I've renamed role holder or PDCs before in domains. You can do this from 2003 or later. With regards to IPs, so long as you run ipconfig /registerdns this takes care of everything for you, so long as DNS replication is working fine in the first place.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now