How to Demote a Windows 2000 Server

Demoting the Windows 2000 domain controller stops it from authorizing users.

The Windows 2000 operating system is still used in some older computer systems. Windows 2000 server software is used in some older networks as well, but it is not compatible with some newer technology. For this reason, network administrators demote the Windows 2000 domain controller. Demoting a domain controller removes it as the central server for your network. You can still use the server, but it no longer authorizes users and controls network devices.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows 2000 "Start" button. Click "Run," and then enter "dcpromo /forceremoval." Press "Enter" to open a demotion wizard.

2. Click "Next" on the first wizard page. Click "Next" again at the warning wizard. Enter the administrator password and click "Next."

3. Click "Next" at the next screen. The wizard configures the server files and demotes the server on the network. When the wizard finishes, click "Finish" to close the wizard and complete the changes.

References

• Petri: Forcibly Removing Active Directory from a DC -- Retire a Domain Controller