Cannot Remove Active Directory from a Replica Domain Controller

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This article was previously published under Q263624

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SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to promote a replica domain controller by using the Dcpromo.exe tool, you may receive the following error message:

The operation failed because:

The directory service failed to replicate off changes made locally.

The DSA operation is unable to proceed because of a DNS lookup failure.

NOTE: The domain controller is configured to use a Windows 2000-based Domain Name System (DNS) server that is located in the internal network as a preferred DNS server.

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CAUSE

This issue can occur if the DNS server address in the TCP/IP settings on the domain controller that is hosting the DNS zone is not set correctly.

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue:

Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, double-click Network and Dial-up Connections, right-click the appropriate local area connection, and then click Properties.
In the Components checked are used by this connection dialog box, double-click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
Under Use the following DNS server addresses, verify that the Preferred DNS server setting is configured with the TCP/IP address of this computer, or the TCP/IP address of a DNS server that supports SRV records (and preferably dynamic updates).

NOTE: If you are using a DNS server that is provided by your Internet service provider (ISP), use the DNS Manager snap-in to configure DNS forwarders.

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STATUS

This behavior is by design.

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MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about how to configure DNS for Active Directory, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

237675 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/237675/EN-US/ ) Setting Up the Domain Name System for Active Directory

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