How to Rename a File Server or Workstation

Applies To: System Center Data Protection Manager 2010

DPM uses the computer name as a unique identifier for replicas, recovery points, DPM database entries, reporting database entries, and so on.

You cannot do the following:

  • Change the name of a protected computer and continue protection without disruption.

  • Change the name of a protected computer and associate the existing replicas and recovery points with the new computer name.

We recommend that you do not change the name of a protected computer. If you must change the name of a protected computer, you must complete two tasks:

  • Remove the data sources on the computer from protection (the old computer name).

  • Protect the data source on the computer (the new computer name).

To rename a protected computer

  1. Stop protection for all data sources on the computer by removing them from the protection group.

    If you retain the replicas and recovery points, the data will remain accessible for administrative recovery until you delete the replicas. However, it will not be accessible for end-user recovery.

  2. Uninstall the protection agent by using DPM Administrator Console on the DPM server.

  3. Change the name of the computer.

  4. Install a protection agent by using DPM Administrator Console on the DPM server.

  5. Add the data sources to protection groups on the DPM server.

    For information about tasks that involve protection agents and protection groups, see DPM Help.

See Also

Concepts

Changing the Path of a Data Source
How to Change the Time Zone of a File Server or Workstation
Managing Protected File Servers and Workstations
Moving File Servers and Workstations Between Domains