JSI Tip 3364. How can I remotely defragment the Active Directory database?

Some low-level maintenance of the Windows 2000 Active Directory requires that you restart the domain controller in Active Directory Restore mode.

Tip 2635 » How do I defragment the Active Directory database?, requires that you be present at the console of the server.

In tip 3237 » How do I use Terminal Services to remotely administer a Windows 2000 Server?, we learned how to remotely administer an Windows 2000 server.

In tip 2319 » How can I automate a Safe-mode boot?, we learned how to configure boot.ini to select the various Safe Boot modes.

Using these techniques, you can make a copy of your boot.ini file:

\[boot loader\]
timeout=7
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT
\[operating systems\]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT="Microsoft Windows 2000 Server" /fastdetect

and append the /SAFEBOOT:DSREPAIR /SOS switches:

\[boot loader\]
timeout=7
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT
\[operating systems\]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT="Microsoft Windows 2000 Server" /fastdetect /SAFEBOOT:DSREPAIR /SOS

Save the file as boot.dsrepair. Save the original boot.ini as boot.online.

To defragment the remote server, connect to it using Terminal Services. Remove the Read-only attribute from boot.ini and copy boot.dsrepair over boot.ini. Restart the remote server. Wait an appropriate amount of time for the server to restart. If the server has not yet restarted, you will receive:

Terminal Services Client Disconnected
The server could not be found. Check that you have specified the correct server or IP address, and then try connecting again.

Press Close, and connect again.

Once you connect and log on, copy the boot.online file over boot.ini. Defragment the Active directory database, and Restart the remote server.