Windows 2003 in Workgroup Mode

jawdoc · 29th April 2005

Hello
Someone recently told me that Windows 2003 Server by default installs as a domain controller.
Is this true? If is there a good way to run it in a workgroup mode.
Do I have to demote it?
Thanks in advance!

Newt · 30th April 2005

Dunno who told you that but they were wrong. You should see this screen as you go through the setup.

jawdoc · 30th April 2005

Can you demote a domain controller to a workgroup?

Newt · 30th April 2005

I don't see why not - although I have not tried it.

Assuming you don't want/need the domain, it should be just a matter of turning off a couple of services (DNS, etc.) and moving it from domain to workgroup.

I think.

You keep talking about 'demoting' it. That should only apply if you want to change a domain controller to a member server OF THE DOMAIN or vice versa.

**Scott Smith** · 30th April 2005

DCpromo at a command prompt will allow you to promote or demote a DC in WIN2k so I would assume it still works in 2k3.

A word of caution though, all settings, user profiles, and anything that was setup while the machine was a DC will dissappear.