Changing Computer Name in Windows 2000 Requires Restart

When you change your computer name or domain membership on a Microsoft Windows 2000 computer, each step must be performed separately with a shut down and restart you computer for the change to take effect.

When you change the name of your computer, the Windows 2000 application and network services are not automatically updated to use the new computer name. The Windows 2000 application and network services read the computer name when they are started.