demote backup domain controler from non existent domain

I have a backup domain controller we want to demote, the problem is that the
domain has already been disabled, we want to now demote this server and join
it to a new domain.

We get a message saying that it cannot demote because it can not contact the
domain, join workgroup before demoting. but when you try to join work group
the feature is grayed out, you ant remove it till it is demoted.

Seems like a catch 22 situation.

any ideas?

 

Is this NT4 or 2000/2003? On the latter one you can try dcpromo /force

 

Sorry that should be 'dcpromo /forceremoval'

 

Thank you worked fine