Networks·41,398 discussions

DNS/Windows Explorer Resolution

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I don’t know if this is WINS or DNS or WHAT. We’ve been tasked with a new naming convention. To avoid breaks in code, shares, maps,etc, I decided to rename the server but create an A record in DNS of the old server name.

I can ping the old server name. However, if I try to browse by name using a UNC path “example: \\oldservername” it fails saying server can’t be found. Should I enter a static WINS entry as well for the old server name?

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Clarifications

In reply to DNS/Windows Explorer Resolution

Clarifications

old server, new server = same server?

In reply to DNS/Windows Explorer Resolution

if so, then you need to sit down and think about your question.

change the name then what happens….

DFS

In reply to DNS/Windows Explorer Resolution

DFS = Distributed File System

When I migrated from 2003 to 2008, I was looking at installing the new server with a new name, and hosting all of the old server’s files on it. I wanted documents and shortcuts on the network to work with the old server name.

Basically, what it boiled down to is that the new server wouldn’t answer a query for the old server name. You can install DFS and get it to work, but Server standard only supports one old server name (sorry, I forget the exact nomenclature for DFS).

That’s all if memory serves me correctly. I had linked to some articles, but they don’t seem to be available anymore.

Of course, if your old server is a domain controller (which is doesn’t sound like it is), then renames etc can get a little hairy.

Good Luck!

[Author]

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