Rename a domain controller using System Properties
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
You can use this procedure to rename a domain controller by using the System Properties user interface (UI).
Administrative credentials
To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Domain Admins group or the Enterprise Admins group.
To rename a domain controller using System Properties
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
In Control Panel, double-click System Properties.
On the Computer Name tab, click Change.
Click OK to acknowledge that renaming the domain controller may cause it to become temporarily unavailable to users and computers. (See note below.)
Under Computer Name, type the new name.
Click OK to close the System Properties dialog box.
If you are prompted, provide the user name and password for an account with Domain Admin or Enterprise Admin credentials.
Note
Renaming a domain controller in this way may result in Active Directory replication latency, making it more difficult for clients to locate or authenticate the domain controller under its new name.