Changing Host Name

[Raghuram Ollakal_1]

What is the bet and easy ( if there is one) way to change the host name of a production, HP server running HPUX 11.0? Changing host name on a production serve is advisable? And what are the issues I need to be aware of, before I change the host name. I really appreciate some help in this matter.

Thanks

[Ken Hubnik_2]

Running set_parms is the best way to change.

set_parms hostname

If using DNS just make sure that the change is made on the DNS server.

[Robert-Jan Goossens]

Hi,

# /sbin/set_parms hostname

Kind regards,

Robert-Jan.

[James R. Ferguson]

Hi:

# /sbin/set_parms hostname

...is probably the easiest, safest way. You will be prompted to provide information as needed.

Beware of any third-party products whose licensing may involve reference to the old hostname.

Remember to change any DNS servers' entries which reference your old name.

Regards!

...JRF...

[Paul Sperry]

Also be aware of any exported nfs file systems.
you will have to edit the /etc/fstab on all of
the systems that have any mount points on the server.

[John Bolene]

Either use SAM or
# /sbin/set_parms hostname


remember to get any DNS entries changed also if you are using DNS.

DNS can take a few hours to propagate.

[Steven E. Protter]

/etc/rc.config.d/netconf

Hostname is actually set there and can be changed with vi.

Caveat: It can't be longer than 8 characters, the OS won't like it. Include all previous warnings.

fully qualified domain names are possible, such as server.your.net

Don't back up the netconf file in the same directory it resides. Make a copy prior to editing in /root/ or whatever you have set roots home to.

SEP

[S.K. Chan]

In addition .. 2 more methods ..
1- Edit /etc/rc.config.d/netconf and reboot.
2- Use SAM :- Networking&Communication->NW Services and goto "action- modify system name".
As long as you understand how the clients references your server, changing of the server hostname should not be a big problem. For example if there's a automount map that the client uses then the entry in it needs to be updated. If hard mounts then mount table on clinets (/etc/fstab) need to be modified. And so on...

[KCS_1]

hello~

1.

# set_parms hostname
(it's most easy way to change the hostname)


2.

edit hostname filed of /etc/rc.config.d/netconf
and /etc/hosts.

and then,

#/sbin/init.d/hostname start

good luck!

[Jeff Schussele]

HI Raghuram,

The safest way to do this in Production is to add the new name to DNS as an alias a day or two before the actual system name change. This insures the new name is in DNS ahead of time.
Then the name change can be made in production, and when all other systems & apps that interact w/this system are verified OK w/the new name then the old name can be dropped in DNS.

My 2 cents,
Jeff

[Sritharan]

Hi,


You can use the command
set_parms hostname

you can also use SAM

The things to consider is you have to edit the DNS files if you are using it, and if you have other nodes accessing you have to edit their /etc/hosts files and if you have .rhosts edit this also.


Thanks & Regards
SRi

[Trond Haugen]

Enough said about how to do it I guess.
Carefully considder who are using the hostname (login, databases, print spoolers, NFS,...)
If you are using DNS considder setting up the old hostname as an alias and when to stop using it.
When finally removing the old hostname be prepared that someone will cry out loud. :-)

Regards,
Trond

[Colin Topliss]

Don't forget to tell your user-base and your Windoze support team - they'll need to update whatever namesevices they are running (WINS for example).

I bet you anything that a few users will have added the server to their local host file - be prepared for them to call and complain.