Promote Secondary DNS to Primary

[KJacks]

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.

[Herb Martin]

"KJacks" <KJacks@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:7CFC71EA-D27D-4213-B99C-4B0F7AA6A95F@microsoft.com...
> 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,

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

> or can I just dcpromo a Windows 2003 server
> to a domain controller and it will offer to become the new primary DNS
> server?

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.

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


--
Herb Martin, MCSE, MVP
http://www.LearnQuick.Com
(phone on web site)

[KJacks]

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?

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

"Herb Martin" wrote:

>
> "KJacks" <KJacks@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:7CFC71EA-D27D-4213-B99C-4B0F7AA6A95F@microsoft.com...
> > 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,
>
> Just change the zone type in (each of) the DNS servers.
>
> > or can I just dcpromo a Windows 2003 server
> > to a domain controller and it will offer to become the new primary DNS
> > server?
>
> 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.
>
> > I hope that makes sense, and I appreciate any help. Thanks.
>
>
> --
> Herb Martin, MCSE, MVP
> http://www.LearnQuick.Com
> (phone on web site)
>
>
>

[Herb Martin]

"KJacks" <KJacks@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:BBE30728-9739-4669-ABEB-74CB4CBAFA6A@microsoft.com...
> 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?

$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.

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

> 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?

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.

> And I would change the DNS settings on static TCP/IP
> settings also.

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

> 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?

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
HerbM@...)
--
Herb Martin, MCSE, MVP
http://www.LearnQuick.Com
(phone on web site)