How to revert a server name back to its original. Account already exits is the message received every time I tried. it is a Windows 2003 server and the DC is a 2012 Rs server. I see the 2003 server listed in the servers folder (AD users and computers). I need to resolve this asap. any suggestions that are straight forward and won't cause a mess. Thanks!

Open System Properties > Computer Name tab > Change. Temporarily change the computer name. Set the system to join a Workgroup instead of the domain. Reboot. Open Windows 2003 server. System Properties > Computer Name > Change Rename the server to its original name. Rejoin the domain and Reboot.

Renaming a server - Microsoft Q&A

Accepted answer

S.Sengupta 21,561 Reputation points MVP

2025-01-23T06:49:02.15+00:00

Open System Properties > Computer Name tab > Change.

Temporarily change the computer name.

Set the system to join a Workgroup instead of the domain.

Reboot.

Open Windows 2003 server.

System Properties > Computer Name > Change

Rename the server to its original name.

Rejoin the domain and Reboot.
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Ahmed 40 Reputation points

2025-01-23T12:49:02.5866667+00:00

Thank you for that. I have one more problem which I hoped renaming the server back would solve, but it didn't. I have another file server which lost trust relationship with the domain but still serving file shares by GPO. Short of the long story, I am able to map or access the drives manually on all newer pcs 10/11 but not on older windows like this server 2003. as strange as this may sound, it is the authentication that is failing. on win 10/11 I can authenticate to the dropout server with my old network password. It is not accepted when i try to authenticate from 2003. I am almost positive it is not SMB because it was working before we had a power outage that caused a lot of problems which I am trying to solve now. it might not make sense but it is true. any insight on how to solve this issue?

S.Sengupta 21,561 Reputation points MVP

2025-01-24T01:22:11.6266667+00:00

While Windows 10/11 can still authenticate using cached credentials, Server 2003 might not. Resetting the trust relationship will be a better option here. To do this Remove the server from the domain and Rejoin the domain.

Also, open Event viewer and look for clues about failed authentication attempts or protocol errors.

Ensure no firewall is blocking.

Ahmed 40 Reputation points

2025-01-24T04:50:04.0233333+00:00

I did that yesterday and did not seem to make a difference. I did not look in event viewer on the 2003 though. I will and hopefully will find a clue. Thank you!

Ahmed 40 Reputation points

2025-01-24T14:48:27.8366667+00:00

Good Morning, I Think I am may be a click away from fixing the problem but I need know how is the login password for the DC is set after resetting its account in AD. In Other words, the DC which lost trust relationship with the domain, is visible on the servers list in AD. If I reset its account, how will I know what password to use to log in to that DC since none of my accounts are allowing me to directly login to the server. Will I have the option in AD after resetting to create/change the login password for that DC?

Or will it affect my domain admin account and change its password for the whole domain?
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