We run our network on a load-balancing router, which acts as the gateway, and a Mac Mini Server which we use for file-sharing. We recently purchased an HP ProLiant MicroServer with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials because of the SQL software requirements for an accounting program.
I did not want domain IP conflicts with two servers operating both as domain controllers, so I revoked the Domain Controller role in SBS2011 so it could act as just another terminal in our primary network. And we're able to connect to the machine to do our accounting, so that's good.
However, the machine shuts itself down about once a week. I've learned that this is because the machine MUST be a domain controller to function correctly; as soon as that role is removed, it causes auto-shutdowns.
My question is: can a SBS2011 OS environment be run as a domain controller and NOT actually be controlling the domain? Can it continue to have an IP in our existing domain (10.x.x.x)? I'm reading about RODC; is that the environment I wish to install?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Tom