Renaming a Domain Controller

Contrary to some people’s beliefs, it is actually possible to rename a domain controller! For this to work you must have at least 2 domain controllers already in your domain. This WILL NOT work if you have a single domain controller.

Before you start if the domain controller you are renaming holds any FSMO roles, you must migrate these to the other domain controller before you start.

1. Open Command Prompt and type in netdom computername <current computer name> /add:<new computer name>
2. then netdom computername <current computer name> /makeprimary:<new computer name>
3. Restart domain controller
4. Then open command prompt and type netdom computername <new computer name> /remove:<old computer name>

Mark Vale

Mark is an Independent Microsoft Teams Consultant with over 15 years experience in Microsoft Technology. Mark is the founder of Commsverse, a dedicated Microsoft Teams conference and former MVP. You can follow him on twitter @UnifiedVale

www.valeconsulting.co.uk