We are running Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise and have joined the server as a member server to the domain. We would like to remove the server from the domain and rename it. Then re-join the server back to same domain. Can we do this without having to rebuild the server from scratch?Can we use the same computer object in AD, or should we delete it and have it re-created during rejoin? There has always been disagreement in our shop about need to rebuild from scratch. Some say only when server is DC. Others say always rebuild it. Thanks in advance!Bill

Can we do this without having to rebuild the server from scratch? Yes, changing hostname of a member server doesn't require rebuilding operating system. Can we use the same computer object in AD, or should we delete it and have it re-created during rejoin? You need to delete the old hostname from domain as well as remove DNS records associated with the hostname. As for DC renaming, please have a look at following articles Windows 2003 Domain Controller Rename http://www.petri.co.il/windows_2003_domain_controller_rename.htm Rename Windows Server 2008 Domain Controllers http://www.petri.co.il/rename-windows-server-2008-domain-controllers.htm A UNIVERSE without WINDOWS is CHAOS ! This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees and confers no rights. About Me ?

1. Can we do this without having to rebuild the server from scratch? No need to rebuild the server, just remove it from the domain, reboot and join it back to the domain. 2. Can we use the same computer object in AD, or should we delete it and have it re-created during rejoin? No need to delete computer account, active directory will reset the account when you rejoin the computer o domain. This is standard AD activity hence no need to be paranoid. :) Sachin Gadhave (MCP, MCTS)

Changing the host name will never require you to rebuild the server from scratch, this kind of issues like remaining the member server and again joining to the same domain is practiced usually in the enterprise network with out any issues. If you want to have the different Host name then you should consider deleting the old dns records. http://www.arabitpro.com

Yes, that was my thinking too. Just needed others to validate for my colleagues at work. Thanks to all who responded!Bill