Newly Promoted Domain Controller Is Slow to Start, Hangs at Network Connections Screen (285825)

SYMPTOMS

After you use the DCPROMO utility to promote a Windows 2000 Server-based computer to domain controller, the computer takes a long time to start and appears to stop responding (hang) at the Preparing network connections screen.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when the Domain Naming Service (DNS) is not configured correctly, or when the TCP/IP properties of the new domain controller contain the IP address of a DNS server that does not support dynamic DNS registration.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, make sure that DNS is configured correctly and that dynamic DNS registration is enabled. Also, in the TCP/IP properties on the new domain controller, remove any IP addresses for DNS servers that do not support dynamic DNS registration, for example, a DNS server at an Internet service provider.

MORE INFORMATION

When a Windows 2000 Domain controller boots, it is trying to query for LDAP records in DNS. This can also occur if the server is pointed to a DNS server that does not contain the DNS zone for the domain as a alternate DNS server. The computer may try to use this alternate for name resolution and never switch back to the preferred DNS server. This can cause the server to hang indefinitely.

As a result, you may be able to start into safe mode, but not safe mode with networking.

To resolve this behavior, perform the following steps:

Unplug the network cable from the computer and restart the computer. You will be able to log on successfully.
Remove the non-Windows 2000 DNS entry:
1. Right-click My Network Places from the Desktop.
2. Right-click Local Area Connection, and then click Properties.
3. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties.
4. Remove the non-Windows 2000 DNS IP address, and then click OK.
Plug in the network cable and restart the computer.