An error occurred while promoting the server to a domain controller
Applies To: Windows SBS 2008
Problem An error occurred while promoting the server to a domain controller.
Features affected Depending on the error, some functionality of the domain controller may be affected.
Resolution Due to the number of complex product interactions and dependent tasks related to the failure in promoting the server to a domain controller, manual steps to recover from this failure cannot be provided at this time.
You may find it helpful to review the entries in the DCPromo log file at C:\Program Files\Windows Small Business Server\Logs\dcpromo_<DateTime>.txt. You can also run the DCdiag tool to determine if there are any specific functionality issues with Active Directory Domain Services. For more information about the DCdiag tool, see the Microsoft Web site
If you are unable to determine the cause or resolution for this issue, perform the following steps to recover the server:
Restore the source domain from a backup. For instructions, read "Backing up and Restoring Windows Small Business Server 2003" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=27140).
After you restore the source domain, reinstall Windows Small Business Server 2008. For instructions, read “Migrating to Windows Small Business Server 2008 from Windows Small Business Server 2003” (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=117499).
Important
Before attempting to reinstall Windows SBS 2008, read the topic “SBS 2008 Migrations from SBS 2003 – Keys to Success” at the Official SBS Blog (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=182299).
You can also contact Microsoft Product Support to receive support in isolating the source of the failure so that you can correct it before restarting the migration process.
To read the most recent version of this topic, see the Microsoft Web site (https://go.microsoft.com/FWLink/?LinkID=119412). The most recent version might contain additional information that was not available when Windows SBS 2008 was released.