Windows Server 2008 r2 Domain Controller boots into Active Directory Repair

Problem!

My Windows 2008 R2 DC (the only one) boots into Active Directory Repair mode.
Now I can’t log in, because the Active Directory services aren’t started.
I can’t even restart the system correctly, running as a VMware virtual machine, because the VMware tools do not respond, bah.

Solution? [power off… eek hmz]
Boot into safe mode with command line (hey, now you can log in, because the AD services are started!)

type the following commands:

bcdedit /set safeboot dsrepair

bcdedit /deletevalue safeboot

shutdown -f -r -t 1

It is said it works for windows server 2012 as well.

If this doesn’t work, you probably have damaged something in AD, and you should dig a little deeper.
Perhaps even this ? http://distefano.biz/blog/index.php/2013/01/22/windows-server-2008domain-controller-failed-to-start/

I hope you are happy again.

This entry was posted in Active Directory, Windows, Windows Server. Bookmark the permalink.