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Removing Active Directory

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by bmcafee

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I plan to remove the first server in my Active Directory domain. It's one of three Active Directory. I transferred all the single master operations to another server. Any tips, concerns, or tasks I should be aware of before doing this?

Thanks for all input!

4 replies

by rabbit_runner

First my question. Have you moved the Schema Master FSMO? This by default, is not available. It must first be enabled before being able to transfer this.

Then I would check the DNS. Make certain that the computer with windows 2000 DNS for active directory is not on the server that you want to demote. In the same direction, make certain that the other servers DNS settings point to the DNS server.

When you install Active Directory, by default, the DNS is installed on the first server. You must create another DNS server, and then move all DNS entries to this new server. And then point all servers, workstations to point to this new server.

If you are planning on removing the server from the domain, you will need to check your network shares. Move them or delete them. Also move any files or applications to another box.

Lastly, run DCPROMO. This will then demote the particular server to a member server. At that point, you should check your Active Directory and determine that this server has been successfully removed from the Domain Controllers folder.

Check your DNS entries and make certain that the server is no longer mentioned / listed in any of the following zones. _msdcs _sites _tcip _udp.
Do a refresh of your DNS. If the server is not listed in the above zones, then you have successfully demoted the server.

Let me know how everything goes, and best of luck

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