Removing Active Directory/Domain Controller from Server 2012?

[Noo]

Hi Guys, I'm currently running a file & print server with windows server 2012 essentials. The thing is that I don't use or need to use the active directory or domain controller services. Is there a way to completely remove this feature and still have the OS working as a file/print server?

 

[JackMDS]

These pages would give you the info that you need.

http://winsupersite.com/article/win...erver-2012-essentials-domain-workgroup-144357

http://winsupersite.com/article/win...012-essentials-home-server-replacement-144275

http://www.tinkertry.com/ws2012e-domain-removal/

 

[Noo]

Thanks!!

 

[Noo]

After reading it, removing AD & domain services is a bad idea.

Is there a way to remove these 2 links (Company & Users) from the server shared folder? The default folder "Users" is already shared, it's kinda redundant to have "Shared Folders" linking to it again.

 

[CubanlB]

After reading it, removing AD & domain services is a bad idea.

Is there a way to remove these 2 links (Company & Users) from the server shared folder? The default folder "Users" is already shared, it's kinda redundant to have "Shared Folders" linking to it again.

You might want to do some reading on what DFS is. Unsharing those folders will most likely break the DFS configuration.

Do you have multiple file servers and/or a need for a DFS namespace?



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distributed_File_System_(Microsoft)

https://social.technet.microsoft.co...8ad-2f5026a89c1b/dfs-dfsroots-foldernamespace

 

[Noo]

I do not have multiple file servers, it's only 1 machine running windows server to serve movies and printer throughout the house.

 

[wlee]

A better solution for you is to leave the server as is and keep your client machines in a workgroup. You will still have access to all the shares,etc. Client Backup/Restore will still work.

Use the skip domain join registry entry.

https://social.technet.microsoft.co...-essentials-network?forum=winserveressentials


If your clients are already joined, you'll have to put them back into a workgroup.

 

[JackMDS]

Windows-server-2012-essentials - Connect Client PCs without Using a Domain.


http://winsupersite.com/article/win...2-essentials-connect-client-pcs-domain-144329