Renaming a Domain Controller

Question

how can i rename a domain controller in windows server 2003?

Answer 1

The full instructions are here but the gist is that run this in CMD

C:\WINDOWS>netdom computername olddomain.com /add:newdomain.com

then enter

C:\WINDOWS>netdom computername olddomain.com /makeprimary:newdomain.com

reboot then

C:\WINDOWS>netdom computername NEWdomain.com /remove:OLDdomain.com

Though I highly recommend you install from scratch.

Answer 2

Here's the answer.

Although not the best idea in the world and although I rather re-build the entire server from scratch, this can be done in Windows Server 2003-based Domain Controllers. The procedure is quite simple. It only requires one reboot of the DC that had it's name renamed. You don't even have to sit near the DC, you can accomplish it from any computer that has the Windows Server 2003 Support Tools installed, and if you have the appropriate user credentials.

Note: Only Windows Server 2003 Domain Controllers can be renamed.

Note: You must be a member of the Domain Admins group.

Another Note: Domain Controllers running Microsoft's Certificate Authority services (CA) can never be renamed.

Lamer Note: This is NOT the same as renaming your entire domain! In order to do that read Windows 2003 Domain Rename Tool.