KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q242070: Cannot Demote a Backup Domain Controller to Member Server

Article: Q242070
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 08-AUG-2001

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

When you try to demote a backup domain controller to the role of a member
server, the option for demotion is not available.

CAUSE
=====

This behavior occurs because Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 does not permit the
demotion of a backup domain controller to a member server.

RESOLUTION
==========

Delete the backup domain controller from the domain, and then reinstall Windows
NT Server 4.0, designating the computer role as 'Member Server'.

To work around this issue, delete the backup domain controller from the domain,
and then reinstall Windows NT Server 4.0, designating the computer role as
Member Server:

NOTE: You must delete the backup domain controller from the domain before you
reinstall Windows NT Server 4.0 to be able to convert the backup domain
controller to a member server.

CAUTION: When you reinstall Windows NT Server on the computer, all data on that
computer is deleted. Be sure to back up important data before beginning the
reinstallation.

1. Shut down the computer where Windows NT 4.0 Server is to be installed.

2. Log on to another domain controller in the domain as a member of the
  Administrators or Domain Administrators group.

3. Start Server Manager.

4. Select the backup domain controller to delete from the domain.

5. On the Computer menu, click Remove From Domain, and then click Yes to confirm
  the deletion.

6. Reinstall Windows NT Server 4.0 on the computer. When prompted, click Member
  Server to specify the role for the computer.

NOTE: During the reinstallation, create a new computer account, using an
Administrator username and password.

Additional query words: reinstall role domain

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : winnt:4.0
Issue type        : kbprb

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.