Domain Controller tombstone question

Question

Hello,

i have a question lets say you had a 2 domain controller domain and they tombstoned from each other could you pick one remove the other from the domain then re add to keep the domain alive? or would the domain be dead?

Answer 1

Hi John James_2003,

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft Community Forums.

I. Preparation

Backup data: Before migration, make sure to backup all data on Windows Server 2012 Essentials, including system configuration, applications, user data, etc.

Check hardware compatibility: Make sure the hardware on the new server (Windows Server 2022 Essentials) is compatible with the current network environment.

Install Windows Server 2022 Essentials: Install Windows Server 2022 Essentials operating system on the new server.

II. Migrate Domain Controller

Promote the new server as a domain controller

On the new server, open Server Manager.

Click “Add Roles and Features”.

In “Select Server Roles”, check “Active Directory Domain Services”.

Follow the wizard to complete the installation and configuration of AD DS.

During the configuration process, select Add new server to existing domain and specify the domain name.

After completing the configuration, the new server will become an additional domain controller in the domain.

Migrating FSMO roles

On the current domain controller (Windows Server 2012 Essentials), open Active Directory Users and Computers.

Right-click on the domain name and select Operational Hosts.

In the Operation Hosts window, transfer all five FSMO (Flexible Single Master Operation) roles (Architecture Host, Domain Naming Host, PDC Emulator, RID Host, and Infrastructure Host) to the new server.

Verify Migration

Ensure that AD DS on the new server is functioning properly and that all users, computers, and group objects have been migrated correctly.

Verify domain controller functionality on the new server, such as user logon, group policy application, etc.

Retire the old domain controller

After you have verified that the new server is functioning properly and has assumed all domain controller responsibilities, you can begin decommissioning the old domain controller (Windows Server 2012 Essentials).

On the old server, open Server Manager and uninstall Active Directory Domain Services.

Follow the wizard to complete the uninstallation process and ensure that the old server has been removed from the domain.

Configure workstations to access the new server

Update DNS Settings

Ensure that the DNS servers on the new server are properly configured and can resolve all hostnames in the domain.

On the workstation, update the DNS settings to point to the IP address of the new server.

Test the connection

On the workstation, try to log on to the network using a domain account.

Verify that the workstation can access shared resources, printers, and other services on the network.

Update Group Policy

On the new server, update Group Policy settings as needed.

Ensure that the workstations are able to receive and apply the new Group Policy settings.

IV. Precautions

Data security during migration: During the migration process, be sure to ensure data security to avoid data loss or leakage.

Selection of migration time: Try to select the time period when the network load is low for migration to minimize the impact on business.

Post-migration validation and testing: After the migration is completed, make sure to conduct comprehensive validation and testing to ensure that the new server can operate normally and meet business requirements.

Best regards

Neuvi