Question : Redirect user shortcuts to new server name?

We were provided a new Windows 2003 server by our head office which is a dc, file/print server, WSUS server, time server, etc.  The original intent was to configure everything, then rename it to the "old" server name after demoting the "old" server which was also a dc.  In speaking with our head office, they've advised that using the old server name is not possible due to the way it was preconfigured.  Is there an easy way to still have user's shortcuts work without them having to change "old server name" to "new server name" in the numerous links, shortcuts, etc. they've created over the last few years?

Answer : Redirect user shortcuts to new server name?

This can be done quite easily, but must be done after the old server is demoted and fully removed from the network.

The first step is to create a DNS alias (CNAME) record. Name it the name of the old server and place it in your Active Directory domain's Forward Lookup Zone. Specify the full name of the new server (newserver.ad.domain.com) as the address to map to.

The second step is to configure the name of the old server as an additional NetBIOS name on the new server. This requires a registry change and is described in more detail at http://thelazyadmin.com/blogs/thelazyadmin/archive/2006/07/18/Configuring-Additional-NetBIOS-Names.aspx.

In doing this, the new server will still be accessible using either its new name or its old name, although remember that the shares on the server must have exactly the same name for the shortcuts to not be broken.

-Matt