This is a follow on from my previous post , about how I replaced the mirror in a SQL Mirror set, all the while keeping replication flowing. In this episode, we'll explore how to move the primary server in the mirror, which is also the publisher of a bunch of publications, onto new hardware. Unlike the mirror, because the primary is the publisher, it s replacement must use the same NetBIOS name as the machine being replaced. Note, it doesn't need the same IP - just the same NetBIOS/hostname. This can be understandably difficult if both machines need go on the same domain. In this instance, don't join the new hardware to the domain just yet and uncheck the boxes about automatically registering itself in DNS, under the network hardware settings. The first steps are to backup both the service master key and the database master keys. Remember to snag the master databases master key as well as the published/mirrored databases master key. You must also make sure the disk