SOLVED: How To Properly Rename a DC in 4 Steps

If you have a domain controller that needs to be renamed you might be tempted to just use the old advanced system properties dialog box to rename the computer. That will be a mistake.

The easiest and safest way to rename a Domain Controller is to:

1. demote it to just be a member server
2. then rename it the usual way
3. then promote it to a Domain Controller again

However, there are circumstances where that is just not practical, for instance if this is the last domain controller or the only domain controller on your network.

1. Add An Alternate Hostname
   netdom computername FS1.test2.local /add:DC3.test2.local
netdom computername FS1.test2.local /enumerate
2. Set New Hostname To Be the Primary Hostname
   netdom computername FS1.test2.local /makeprimary: DC3.test2.local
3. Reboot
4. Remove Old Hostname
5. Netdom computername
   DC3.test2.local /remove:FS1.test2.local

NOTE: You likely also want to you look at your DNS to see if you have any entries for the old server name and DHCP to see if you have any settings pointing to the old DC hostname.