How to Decommission a Server

  1. Do you have a service level agreement (SLA) for this machine? Submit a request online for it to be decommissioned.
  2. Is it in the OIT data center but not covered under an SLA?
    1. After you power down the machine, you will need to submit separate requests for assistance; submit the requests online, or call the OIT HelpDesk at 865-974-9900. It’s best to submit these requests as separate tickets as they may be assigned to different service teams within OIT.
    2. If your server is backed up, submit a request to remove the server from backups. Use the wording “Please remove [Server Name] from backups.”
    3. Submit a request to remove the server from the firewall rules. Use the wording “Please remove all firewall rules for [Server Name].”
    4. Submit a request to remove the machine from Active Directory. Use the wording “Please remove [Server Name] from Active Directory.”
    5. Submit a request to remove the machine from SCCM monitoring. Use the wording “Please remove [Server Name] from SCCM monitoring.”
  3. After you have received confirmation that all previous requests are complete, submit a ticket to power down the machine and delete it.
    1. If it is a virtual machine (VM):
      1. If you are sure you are ready to delete the server, submit the requests online with the wording “Please delete [Server Name].” Include the ticket numbers confirming that backups, firewall rules, Active Directory, and/or SCCM have been stopped.
      2. If you need it kept for 30 days “just in case,” submit the requests online with the wording “Please send [Server Name] to VM graveyard.” Include the ticket numbers confirming that backups, firewall rules, Active Directory, and/or SCCM have been stopped.
    2. If it is a physical machine:
      1. Physical machine decommissioning requests go through a different form. Submit the request online and the wording “Please shut down and surplus [Server Name].”Include the ticket numbers confirming that backups, firewall rules, Active Directory, and/or SCCM have been stopped.
    3. After you have received confirmation that your server has been deleted, remove its entry from NetReg.
      1. Go to http://netreg.utk.edu. 
      2. Select View All Your Registrations and log in. 
      3. Select Unregister to the far right of your server’s name. 
  4. Is it in your physical control?
    1. Follow your department’s standard procedures to shut down and surplus equipment.
    2. Remove its entry from NetReg.
      1. Go to http://netreg.utk.edu. 
      2. Select View All Your Registrations and log in.
      3. Select Unregister to the far right of your server’s name. 
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