Hi,I need to rename the Windows 2003 domain of a recently acquired company. They have a Primary DC and a Backup DC with Exchange 2003 installed.I read the following in the RENDOM implementation guide:"To perform a domain rename operation, Exchange must not be installed on any domain controllers."Does this include backup domain controllers or just primary ones?The suggested workaround is to remove Exchange, rename and reinstall, but is it possible to demote the BDC to a member server (whilst keeping Exchange), rename the domain and then promote back to a backup DC?RegardsChris

Yes, Domain Rename can not be performed if Exchange is installed on any DC.But fact is,~ Exchange server is not supported on DC.~ You can not promote or demote the domain controller when Exchange is already installed on it.The option you have is, install Exchange server on a member server, move all mailboxes and PFs to it and uninstall Exchange server from DC and perform domain rename operation.You can follow below KB while removing your Exchange on DC.How to remove the first Exchange Server 2003 computer from the administrative grouphttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/822931Amit Tank | MVP - Exchange | MCITP:EMA MCSA:M | http://ExchangeShare.WordPress.com

I agree with Amit. Exchange should not be installed on a domain controller when you are planning to rename a domain or a domain controller. Follow the article linked to you by Amit and just FYI, you may be intersted to know that Exchange will also require some more actions on it. Take a look athttp://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2005.05.domainrename.aspxto read more about the XDR-Fixup.exe as well.M-Milind Naphade

Hi,Thanks for your reply.So you are definitely saying even though it is onlya backup DC, the rename process will not work with exchange installed?If Exchange server is not supported on a DC, how do you explain SBS?I think the best route for me is to do a full backup of Exchange, remove it and rename the domain. Then reinstall Exchange and restore the Exchange data? Will that work?RegardsChris

Yes, even though it is only a backup DC you need to remove Exchange server from it.Check "New Exchange-specific step A: Remove Exchange from domain controllers" in below KB.http://support.microsoft.com/kb/842116My bad, I supposed to write not recommended. It is supported but not recommended as per best practice, check a nice repo from Mike on the list of things while using Exchange on DC/GC.http://theessentialexchange.com/blogs/michael/archive/2007/11/13/exchange-server-2003-and-domain-controllers-a-summary.aspxhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/822179It will be more complicated to install Exchange and restore the Exchange backup which was taking for different domain name, I would rather suggest to move the Exchange to a temporary member server and go for domain rename as per additional steps mentioned inKB842116.Amit Tank | MVP - Exchange | MCITP:EMA MCSA:M | http://ExchangeShare.WordPress.com

Hi Amit,Yes I realised that once I sumitted the last post. I'll follow your advice and move Exchange to a member server and then rename.Thanks again for your help.RegardsChris

Exchange on SBS versions is recommeded and fully supported because the version of Exchange Standard Endition that is shipped with SBS is designed to work on the DC and the same applies to platform operating system as well. Microsoft has already taken these precaution before supporting the Exchange on SBS versions.M-Milind Naphade