Renaming Windows server 2008 Domain Controller

You may require to change your Domain Controller name due to any reason. Renaming a Windows server 2008 Domain Controller can be done via two different methods.

• Using System properties
• Using netdom.exe command line utility

Please note Renaming Domain Controller is not same as renaming the entire Domain name.

Using System properties

Renaming domain controller name from system properties is simply the same as renaming any other computer name. Here are the steps:

System properties > Computer name tab > Click on Change button.
Type the new name and click the OK button and restart the system.

Using netdom.exe command line utility

Renaming DC with netdom utility is the recommended way as it also registers the DNS resource records and updates the  SPN for the DC. Netdom utility comes with Windows server 2008 and you don't need to download it.

To understand the example,lets assume that we have a Windows server 2008 DC with name: OldServer.winplat.net and we want to rename it to NewServer.winplat.net. Simply open the command prompt window and type the following commands:

• The following command adds another name for the Domain Controller

netdom computername OldServer.winplat.net /add:NewServer.winplat.net

• Next command makes the new name primary for the Domain controller. One completed, system will ask you to reboot.

netdom computername OldServer.winplat.net /makeprimary:NewServer.winplat.net

• After the system restart, open the command prompt and type the command to remove the old name.

netdom computername NewServer.winplat.net /remove:OldServer.winplat.net

There are few points to be remembered before running these commands:

• You must be a member of Administrator group
• The Domain Functional level must be at least at Windws 2003.