Domain – Correct way to change domain name in Active Directory

active-directorydomaindomain-nameexchange-2013windows-server-2012

I'm trying to fix an existing AD infrastructure that was implemented using the external domain name as root domain name in the Active Directory. So it's running on "contoso.com".

I want to put the DCs inside the local network in the private DNS zone named lan.contoso.com but there are two Exchange Servers in the external zone and I'm not sure how to move the DC's and rename the root domain without affecting the Exchange Servers. All AD's are running on Windows 2012 (non R2) Server with 2012 functional server.

I know that RENDOM isn't an option anymore and it's a production environment, I just want to fix mistakes done in the past.

Thanks in advance,

Best Answer

If you can't use rendom.exe because you have an Exchange organization in your environment, you have to create a new Active Directory domain and use a tool like ADMT to migrate users, groups, and computers into the new domain. Some applications do not support migration in this manner - Exchange is one of them. You will have to configure an Exchange organization in the new environment and do a cross-forest mailbox move.

This is not for the feint of heart or the inexperienced.

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