The Local Zoo - Microsoft Windows Tips and Tricks

Remotely restarting a domain controller in Directory Services restore mode

If you've ever used the NTDSUTIL tool, for any serious database checking or amending, you'll know that you need to have the server in Directory Services Restore Mode. That's fine if you're located near to your server, and you have a keyboard, monitor and mouse attached (or even if you're lucky enough to have an IP KVM switch). What do you do if your server is located on a remote site, and you need to get things done in a hurry, and your only way of connecting is through RDP??? This page has the answer (follow the link "Take the domain controller offline (remotely)"). By simply editing your boot.ini file you can restart the server, connect via RDP and you're in restore mode. Don't forget that the first thing you should do after logging into your server in Directory Services Restore Mode is to remove the extra entry in boot.ini!!