Demote DC but a DNS remove question

Question

Hi

I need to get rid of a DC, this is not the last DC on the domain, I just dont need this box anymore and I am OK with demoting it via Roles and Features.

My question is about DNS role. Is it as simple as also removing DNS from Roles and Features? Are there any other tasks or settings I need to be aware of?

Thanks, M

Answer 1

On your Domain Controller, Open the DNS console (dnsmgmt.msc)

Under Forward lookup zone, right click on your DNS Zone and click on Properties
In the Name Server tab, select the old DNS Server you want to remove and click on Remove and then, click ok.

Do this for all DNS zones (forward and reverse)

Answer 2

Hi，

Based on your description, there are other DCs working as DNS Servers for the clients, right?
Based on my understanding, we need to make sure that the clients use other DCs as the DNS server, and this one which will be demoted shouldn't be used as DNS servers for the clients.
Then we can remove the DNS role safely.

Before this demote operation, remember to back up the DCs and confirm that there are other DCs working correctly.

Best Regards,

Answer 3

You old DC/DNS Server may still have Name Server records on some DNS Zones. In that case, you may have to remove the record using the DNS management console

Answer 4

DNS rôle can be removed after the restart of the Server. No problem.

As long as your client does not make any query to the DNS Server, you can remove the role when you want.

Answer 5

@Anonymous
Yes, I have other DC's and DNS servers working fine. I just dont need this DC anymore.
No other clients are using this DNS server - the office is closed now, nothing on site.
About the removal of DNS role, is it as simple as removing from Roles and Features? Is there any other procedures needed? And how can I check that is worked OK?
M