Question : DCPromo

I am getting the following error:
Event Type:      Error
Event Source:      NTDS ISAM
Event Category:      Database Corruption
Event ID:      467
Date:            10/11/2005
Time:            9:28:56 AM
User:            N/A
Computer:      HUNT-BACKUP
Description:
NTDS (524) NTDSA: Index INDEX_00090001 of table datatable is corrupted (0).

For more information, see Help and Support Center at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/events

I found a hotfix for this exact error on MS KB.  Installed the hotfix and rebooted.  Error came back.  Called MS and they want $ for support now.

 This server is a DC,GC and DNS is Active Directory Intergrated.

Can I DCPROMO this DC down to a member server and then DCPROMO it back up to a Domain Controller?
Will the fact that it has a copy of DNS in its AD database affect anything?
I do have another server that is the FSMO, DC, GC with DNS active directory integrated.
What bad things can happen if I DCPROMO down and then back up?  
Will runiing DCPROMO down and up even work to get this server an uncorrupted copy of AD?  Thanks
cja131

Answer : DCPromo

The error you are getting *might* indicate a bad sector on your HDD- but it doesn't necessarily mean there is one. An AD databse error can occur without a hardware fault (I've seen this several times in fact). That's why I suggest checking your HDD first before you do the tedious work of DCPROMO'ing and then doing it again after replacing what you believe to be faulty hardware. It's just an extra step I would go through to check before making the purchase.

I also think gnart is right- check the RPC service but do so by looking at replication through Sites and Services. I've also seen servers DCPROMO and fail because DNS service isn't configured properly etc., so again- an extra step that might save you heartache in the long term.

Your courruption error isn't a replication error (you're right about that), but if your DCs are replicating like they should be, chances are you have replicated the error (this may not be the case though).

Yes-if a drive is failing you can DCPROMO and then put your new one in and then run the process again. Voila.

Good luck- and I hope it works out!!

Tac