SBS 2003 - Rename Domain Netbios Name Without Renaming Active Directory Domain Name

Solution 1:

Sounds as if you want to change the NetBIOS name, but not the DNS name. Windows 2000 domains do not support renames. Domain must have forest functional level of 2003 or higher. See http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc738208%28v=ws.10%29.aspx. You also cannot rename a domains that uses Exchange (see article). Sounds as if when you do the rename you could change the NetBIOS name and leave the DNS name the same. Build a different test domain with a few VM's and test it out if you can. The rendom tool and more checklists at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb405948.aspx