replacing DNS server

I have a Server 2003 Domain Controller which is also our DNS server.

This server has been giving us problems for a couple months now. We are planning on retiring the server.

We have created a Virtual server that is going to replace this domain controller/dns server.

I am not too familiar with configuring a DNS server.

What are the main things I have to do to configure the new dns server ?

The new server will have a new IP address and Name
We have another DNS server in our disaster recovery site.

A point in the right direction and a couple words of wisdom would be a great help

ComputerTechie:

Here a great how to if you are going to use windows 2003 dns server

http://www.petri.co.il/install_and_configure_windows_2003_dns_server.htm

I’ll just provide some general concepts so you have an idea of what you will do. It’s nice that your old server is still up, that will make things easier.

First, you will want to add the new server to your current DNS infrastructure, the link CT posted is very good. Basically, you will be:

Installing DNS on the new server
Configuring your forward and reverse lookup zones, downloading the current info from your existing server
Allow zone transfers from your old server to your new one

After the new server has been successfully added, remember before removing the old one, your clients must have the ip address of your new DNS server! If the clients are configured statically, you will need to change their DNS entries to point to the new server, if you use DHCP, you will need to update the DNS’s that are handed out by DHCP.

Also, make sure your new server has allowed and is allowed to transfer to all your other DNS servers.

Good luck, if you need some specific advice or clarification, we’re here to help.

If your DNS Zones are AD integrated then you won’t have to do much. When you dcpromo the new server to join it to your current domain as a DC then you select the DNS to be integrated with AD which will make DNS replicate all settings over to the new server. In AD integrated zones you don’t have to worry about the primary and secondary zones and zone transfers.