Promote Secondary DNS to Primary

Right now I have a Windows 2000 domain I am in the process of upgrading to
Windows 2003 domain and I need to promote my secondary DNS server (which is
Windows 2003) and demote my primary DNS server (which is Windows 2000).

My question is how do I do that, or can I just dcpromo a Windows 2003 server
to a domain controller and it will offer to become the new primary DNS server?

I hope that makes sense, and I appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

Just change the zone type in (each of) the DNS servers.

No, this will not affect the DNS server zone type. Only effect on
DNS is when you DCPromo the FIRST DC and it offers to also
create the DNS Server and zone as needed.

You really should have AT LEAST 2 DCs however.

 

Thanks a bunch for the reply.

I just checked out your website too, and I live close to Austin. Whats the
accelerated mcse week course cost?

When I went to look at this, both are loading their zone data from active
directory. Does that mean that if I just change my dhcp dns settings to point
to the newer, win2K DNS server it will take over and I can get rid of the
older dns server? And I would change the DNS settings on static TCP/IP
settings also.

Also, I have 2 Win2K DCs and am wanting to update the domain to Win2k3.
After the new DNS takes over, I should be able to dcpromo a Win2k3 server and
update the domain right?

Thanks for all the help.

 

$4000. If you like I will send you a full "info" message but it's best
if you have me do that by sending me you email.

Or just give me a call -- usually you will speak to me personally unless
it is class week when students get almost all of my time.

Yes*. Test it first by making sure that your newer DNS is working (just
use NSLookup to get a good idea).

Or you can run "DCDiag /c" to see if there are any FAIL or WARN messages.

* Yes, this is required for those machines which don't get the DNS setting
from
DHCP.

You should be able to do that now, or after -- but as a preliminary to that
you
must "ADPrep /forestprep" and "ADPrep /domainprep" -- i.e., prep both the
forest (one time) and each domain (once per domain before THAT domain can
be upgraded.)

You can UPGRADE a Win2000 DC to Win2003, or you can add a Win2003
Server and DCPromo it.

Give me a call or email if you wish. (My email is real here, or send it to
[email protected])