DCPROMO /ADV

[Dangerous]

I'm testing my IDR using backup exec 11d. So backed up exchange/adv/data files all fine.

Restored Windows 2003 server then installed backup exec media server - Catalogued the tape and restored system state including AD to alternate location.

All worked fine

I need to restore my AD to this server that is currently sitting in a workgroup as per backup exec guide.

So I run dcpromo /adv and point it do the restored system state files from my old DC/AD server but it fails installing AD on DNS/DC errors.

It says can’t contact the DC and make sure DNS is setup correctly?

Er rim restoring the DC so it wont see it until these files go on?


Anyone used the DCPROMO /ADV to restore DC/AD?

 

[sidethink]

Its been a while since I've done any hardcore AD work but I thought DCPROMO /ADV was designed for install the AD on a machine from a saved copy (i.e. saving you the trouble of replicating over a slow WAN link or similar in a branch office or something).

Its not really designed for disaster recovery since I believe you still need DNS and possibly a Global Catalog.

 

[sidethink]

Just found this small snippet that might point you in the right direction:

" How to use IFM to promote a server to a DC

Microsoft KB 311078, too, is an excellent reference for IFM.

Preparation:

1. This process assumes you have at least one Windows 2003 DC (Company-DC1) in the Company.com domain and a Windows 2003 member server (Company-SRV1) in that domain that is to be promoted. Install from Media can't be used to create a new domain.
2. DNS must be installed and the SRV records for the first DC must be populated."