i set up a lab with two xp pro computers and server 03. i need to change the domain name; i.e., i need to lose part of it. my server (computer name) is "local." the domain name is "office.companyname.com." how do i lose the "office" in the domain name and just have it be companyname.com the server is the only domain controller. can i run dcpromo or not? do i really have to reload server 03 and what does that do to my activation? if i have to reload, must i first unload the other servers on this domain controller (dns, wins, ad) and must i reformat or can i just reload and will it give me a new option to name the domain. thanks for any advice.

Run DCpromo and remove active directory. This will however remove all users/ou/policies etc. Or you could use the Win 2003 server domain rename tool. It is part of the windows 2003 server resource kit. Good Luck Matt

Renaming a domain is a bid deal. You can do it, in 2003 as Matt suggests but it is not a simple process. If you only have two computers then it's obviously much easier but as a general rule it is something you want to avoid. You will have to rename the domain, correct any DNS issues, change the domain on all client pc's etc. Good luck.

Glen is right about it being quite a task if you are in a production environment. Obviously you do not have this issue, so running dcpromo and removing active directory and re-installing active directory will not be too bad. True, it will strip your policies and active directory partitions. Hey, guess you'll be getting more practice in!