hi i have a problem i need to demote a master domain controller that is no longer on line and available, moreover i need to re assign fsmo roles to the domain controllers actually online. any suggestion on how to proceed? thank you in advance.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255504 Corn chips are no place for a mighty warrior!

I think you mean fmso roles. Flexible Single Master Operations You'd typically need to use NTDSUtil to seize, remove, then reassign the roles to a new DC. Q223787 - Flexible Single Master Operation Transfer and Seizure Process: http://support.microsoft.com/direct..B;EN-US;Q223787 See these KB articles for the metadata cleanup process: Q216498 - How to remove data in the AD after an unsuccessful DC demotion: http://support.microsoft.com/suppor..s/Q216/4/98.ASP Deleting Objects from Active Directory Using Ldp.exe: http://support.microsoft.com/defaul..b;en-us;Q244344 Domain Controller Server Object Not Removed After Demotion: http://support.microsoft.com/defaul..b;en-us;Q216364 Error Deleting a Domain Controller Account in Active Directory Users and Computers: http://support.microsoft.com/defaul..b;en-us;Q247393 Holy Wow.