Promoting a Windows NT-Based Server By Using the Dcpromo.exe Tool Generates an Error Message (254211)

SYMPTOMS

When you run the Dcpromo.exe tool to promote a backup domain controller (BDC) or a member server running Windows NT 4.0 to a Windows 2000 domain controller (DC), it may not work, and may generate the following error message:

The primary domain controller of the domain to which this computer belongs has not been converted to an Active Directory domain controller. You must convert the primary domain controller before you can install additional domain controllers for that domain.

Also, you may continue to receive this error message even if the PDC is completely upgraded to a Windows 2000 domain controller.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if the BDC or the member server was running Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) before it was promoted, and the WINS addresses are pointing to themselves in TCP/IP Properties.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, use an LMHOSTS file, or point WINS addresses to another WINS server before you run Dcpromo.exe. For additional information about using an LMHOSTS file, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

180094 How to Write an LMHOSTS File for Domain Validation

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.