Restoring a Domain Controller Through Reinstallation
Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2
Restoring a domain controller through reinstallation is the same process as creating a new domain controller. It does not involve restoring from backup. This method relies on Active Directory replication to restore a domain controller to a working state, and it is valid only if another healthy domain controller exists in the same domain. This method is normally used on computers that function only as domain controllers.
Restoring through reinstallation is the only method by which a domain controller that is not part of the backup set can be restored. In addition, you might decide to use this method instead of a nonauthoritative restore because backup media is inaccessible or because this method is more convenient. Restoring a domain controller through reinstallation should not be a substitute for regular backup routines.