Microsoft KB Archive/242070

= Cannot Demote a Backup Domain Controller to Member Server =

Article ID: 242070

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q242070



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: kbprb KB242070

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