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domain names

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7 replies

by merv307

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(1) On my small business server, I tried to change the
domain name, so that everyone can login with a new
domain name. But it says that I can't because it is
the primary domain controller. Is there another way to
do this?
(2) Can I just delete my foward lookup zone and my
reverse lookup zone and recreate them? Is that going
to cause any harm?

7 replies

by sbaltus

Hi
no can not just change the domain name if you want to change the name you need to reinstall the server.The reason for this is that each domain has a unique SID ( security id number) and each user and computer account in that domain has it's ownSID relevent to that Domain.as far as deleting the zones it does not change the domin name. The only thing that I am aware of that you can do is change your internet domain name ( the name people see on the net ( you can do this if you run through the ISA setup.
I hope this answered your questions
SBaltus

by zlitocook

Yes you can change the name but it is tricky. MS has alot of questions and answers to this, too many to list. It has you migrate the SID and SAM and reimport them after the name change. You also have to shut down the server and all access to it while this is going on. You could promote a bdc and reload the pdc with the new name and reinstall it back into the network with alot less trouble.

by meganetcomputers

The best thing I found that works good is to use the dcpromo command from the run prompt. It will first demote your server from a domain control to a stand alone computer then you will be able to run the same command to promote it back to the domaincontroller. If you need any further assistance please contact me at support@meganetcomputers.com or you can use the feedback form on my web site.

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