Unknown domain controller

[Sheridan]

Bit of an odd one, in our mixed 2008R2 and 2012R2 server domain, I have been looking in to some dfrs migration issues. That lead me to find a server in the Domain Controllers OU that has the same name as our domain's short (pre 2000!) name

 

Now, this server seems to be popping up and causing errors in the dfrs migration tool, as well as the dcdiag /test:verifyenterprisereferences, as it basically doesn't exist as a server in any form (and never did to my memory!)

 

Question is, is it safe to delete this, or does AD need this server object for some reason? The fact is has the same name as our domain short name is the only reason I haven't deleted it already! I'm wondering if is a hangover from the ealiest domain that has been upgraded since I arrived?

[ADMaster]

I think it will be safe to delete the only thing I have in the DC OU is my DCs.

I would do the following;

take a backup, and /or have AD recycle bin enabled.

query it for FSMO roles

look for it in DNS and sites and services.

try pinging it.

 

If your sure its not holding any FSMO roles and you cannot ping it delete it.

 

This looks useful too

https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/canitpro/2016/02/17/step-by-step-removing-a-domain-controller-server-manually/