? Best way to install a new Network Card in a W2k3 Server DC

cany anyone recommend the best way to replace a network card in a W2k3 Server Domain Controller.

Is it easiest to just log-in locally, disable the existing network card and then switching off, replace the nic and then reboot windows and configure the card?

Is it really that easy?

 

Log in locally on a domain controller? Good luck.

DCPROMO to make it a member server and you can log on locally. If it doesn't demote gracefully, Using the DCPROMO /FORCEREMOVAL Command to Force the Demotion of Active Directory Domain Controllers

Of course, the above is only a good idea if you have other DCs on the network somewhere.

 

no we've got a single DC. All we need to do is replace the network card inside it. can't be that difficult can it?

 

Nope. NIC replacement shouldn't be difficult at all. I was talking about logging onto a DC with a local account. Domain controllers don't allow local account logon.

To change the NIC, I would:

- Shut down the server.
- Replace the NIC
- Power the server up with no network connection - it will start up and after the NIC is properly set up, will give itself APIPA values.
- Change them to what you want, shut down, plug in patch cable, start up.

I think you should be fine.