To restore a server when you have a working domain controller, take the following actions.

Seize those flexible single master operations (FSMO) roles that the failed server had been providing on the working domain controller. If there is more than one working domain controller, seize them on a domain controller that is in the same site as the target domain controller.

The details for role seizing are unique to the role and can be found in the online Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Help. Perform this action carefully - it may be that these roles have automatically been taken over by other domain controllers in the hierarchy. Role seizure is only performed if the target domain controller to be recovered was supporting FSMO roles that have not been taken over by other domain controllers in the infrastructure.

Rebuild per the original server build process. However, a new computer name should be used because remnants of the original domain controller may still exist in Active Directory.

For more information, see Using Ntdsutil.exe to seize or transfer FSMO roles to a domain controller.

If for some reason this process fails, you have two choices:

1. Completely recover the Active Directory infrastructure as if there were no working domain controller. This option is not recommended.
   
2. Implement a careful and custom restoration process. This process is beyond the scope of this guide. You may consider employing Microsoft Consulting Services to assist you with this task.