Windows Server - Raise domain functional level

Asked By Jonathan Kim

19-Nov-09 10:33 AM

I am trying to raise domain functional level to 2003 native to rename
our root domain.
To do that, I demoted Win 2000 BDC to member server. So there is no
2000 svr as DC.
However, I still get error message saying there still is a DC of
inappropriate version of windows.
Can someone help me?

Once I raise domain functional level, I might need help to rename
domain as well.
I have a root domain abc.lcl with pre-2000 name abclcl.
I want to change pre-2000 name to abc.
But FQDN can remain as abc.lcl.

I would appreciate your help.


Jonathan Kim

19-Nov-09 09:25 AM

If you have provided enough time for replication to work, and you are still
receiving an error that there is an inappropriate version, check Sites and
Services to make sure the old DC you have demoted is gone. If not, delete the
object. If it continues, I would suggest to use the Metadata Cleanup
procedure to check to see what DCs are listed in teh forest. If any show in
the list that no longer exist, delete them using the procedure.

Cleanup (Metadata Cleanup) the AD database from the crashed DC
How to remove data in Active Directory after an unsuccessful domain
controller demotion Windows 2000 and 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/216498

Cleanup Metadata Windows 2003
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc736378(WS.10).aspx

Cleanup Server Metadata Windows 2008 (GUI Based)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc816907(WS.10).aspx


As for the rename, this is pretty involved. Read my blog at the following
link for more info, guidelines, nuances, etc, regarding renames.

Domain Rename With or Without Exchange
http://msmvps.com/blogs/acefekay/archive/2009/08/19/domain-rename-with-or-without-exchange.aspx

--
Ace

This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and
confers no rights.

Please reply back to the newsgroup or forum for collaboration benefit among
responding engineers, and to help others benefit from your resolution.

Ace Fekay, MCT, MCITP EA, MCTS Windows 2008 & Exchange 2007, MCSE & MCSA
2003/2000, MCSA Messaging 2003
Microsoft Certified Trainer

For urgent issues, please contact Microsoft PSS directly. Please check
http://support.microsoft.com for regional support phone numbers.

20-Nov-09 11:49 AM

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I was able to clean the meta data and now it allows me to raise domain
functional level to 2003.
Thank you very much!


Jonathan Kim

20-Nov-09 10:40 PM

You are very welcome!

Ace