Windows 2003 Server Active Directory

I would like some clarifacation on the following if possible.

I am about to uninstall active directory from a windows 2003 domain
controller and re-intall active directory.

I understand that i have to firstly ensure all fsmo rolls are transfered to
the windows 2000 DC prior to removing the Active Directory from the 2k3 dc.
Then I will demote the 2k3 dc uninstall the active directory from the 2k3 dc
and do a metadata clean up.
I will then dcpromo the 2k3 machine to be a domain controller and reinstall
active directory and replicate this accross from the windows 2000 dc.


Does this sound correct? I just want to make sure that I have this correct
in my head before I do it!



Cheers

Simon

The FSMO roles 'should' transfer automatically as part of the demotion
(dcpromo) process. However, it is a good idea to do this manually in
advance as you suggest. If the demotion is successful, you should not have
to perform metadata cleanup.

Doug Sherman
MCSE, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

"Simon Glencross" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> I would like some clarifacation on the following if possible.
>
> I am about to uninstall active directory from a windows 2003 domain
> controller and re-intall active directory.
>
> I understand that i have to firstly ensure all fsmo rolls are transfered
to
> the windows 2000 DC prior to removing the Active Directory from the 2k3
dc.
> Then I will demote the 2k3 dc uninstall the active directory from the 2k3
dc
> and do a metadata clean up.
> I will then dcpromo the 2k3 machine to be a domain controller and
reinstall
> active directory and replicate this accross from the windows 2000 dc.
>
>
> Does this sound correct? I just want to make sure that I have this correct
> in my head before I do it!
>
>
>
> Cheers
>
> Simon
>
>

If a DC has any FSMO roles and you demote it the roles will automatically be
moved to another random DC but as a best practice you should indeed move
them before you start.

If you gracefully demote a DC using dcpromo there is no need to perform a
metadata cleanup afterwards. This step is only required when a DC is removed
from the domain without being demoted. Also be sure to allow a full
replication interval to occur between demoting and repromoting your DC.

"Simon Glencross" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>I would like some clarifacation on the following if possible.
>
> I am about to uninstall active directory from a windows 2003 domain
> controller and re-intall active directory.
>
> I understand that i have to firstly ensure all fsmo rolls are transfered
> to the windows 2000 DC prior to removing the Active Directory from the 2k3
> dc.
> Then I will demote the 2k3 dc uninstall the active directory from the 2k3
> dc and do a metadata clean up.
> I will then dcpromo the 2k3 machine to be a domain controller and
> reinstall active directory and replicate this accross from the windows
> 2000 dc.
>
>
> Does this sound correct? I just want to make sure that I have this correct
> in my head before I do it!
>
>
>
> Cheers
>
> Simon
>

The other thing to remember is DNS. Most people use AD-Integrated DNS. If
your clients only point to this DC for DNS, when it's down they will not be
able to find other DCs, etc. This will cause you a major headache.

You must also ensure that there's another GC in the forest.

Have a look at this article. It's not exactly talking about what you want,
but covers all of the points listed by Simon and I:
-- http://www.msresource.net/content/view/24/47/

--
Paul Williams
Microsoft MVP - Windows Server - Directory Services
http://www.msresource.net | http://forums.msresource.net