The dcpromo utility will remove Active Directory services from a domain
controller making it a member server and no longer participate in AD
services, replication, user accounts, or anythihng else associated with a
domain. It will not impact the current domain other than reducing the DC
count to minus one DC. If WINS is on it, and you have WINS at the corp
location, and they are set to replication partners, first remove the
partnership.
If any machines in any other location other than the location being
decommissioned is using that DC as a DNS server for any reason, remove it
from their config.
Also, when you demote a machine, if it is holding any FSMO roles, it will
automatically seek another DC to move that role. If that DC it chose is
not the DC you want to hold that role, manually transfer the role first.
My feeling is if it was a DC put in after the fact, then it probably
doesn't hold any roles.
If it was a GC, no problem. You can manually remove that service, or
dcpromo during demotion, will remove the service anyway.
I hope that helps.
--
Ace
This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and
confers no rights.
Ace Fekay, MCSE 2003 & 2000, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSA Messaging, MCT
Microsoft Certified Trainer
(e-mail address removed)
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