domain change name, what happens to users?

Question

Hi,

I have a question about renaming a DC and changing its domain name. It is a test server but there are platforms connected.

I plan to rename it and change its domain name. Can you guys confirm it this step is correct?
Demote -> rename computer -> join to workgroup -> promote to new domain name.

If I do this steps how about the existing users and groups will it disappear when demoting the server?

Answer 1

Rename a domain controller.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc816601(v=ws.10)?redirectedfrom=MSDN

Changing a domain name
https://www.rebeladmin.com/2015/05/step-by-step-guide-to-rename-active-directory-domain-name/

Both are somewhat risky moves, assuming all goes well users and groups will be unchanged.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

Hello @Janus Bariñan ,

Thank you so much for posting here.

According to our description, we have a test server, which is DC. We would like to rename the DC and change its domain name, for example, from dc1.book.com to dc2.sayms. local.

If we follow the steps as mentioned, based on my experience, the existing users and groups will disappear when demoting the server and promote to a new domain name.

The recommended approach to rename a domain, is to build new one, then migrate all service to new domain. You need to establish a trust between old and new forest and use ADMT tools to migrate all objects to new domain:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=56570

For any question, please feel free to contact us.

Best regards,
Hannah Xiong

Answer 3

Just checking if there's any progress or updates?

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--