Completing network setup for Windows Server 2003

[LS20]

Hi,

I just finished installing Windows Server 2003 Enterprise on my server machine, and am trying to log onto the server with the client machines.

The server machine, and all the client machines are on a 16-port hub that is connected to the web. all of these machines can access the internet right now.

So the server has Active Directory / Domain Control / DNS server setup... i've made 1 test user account to try the login

The name of the Domain for which the server is setup is "pearlst.local"



On the client machine, I went into Systems Properties -> Computer Name -> Rename this computer or join a Domain -> and specified for this machine to be a Member of Domain "pearlst.local"


however, I get an error saying "A Domain controller for the domain pearlst.local could not be contacted. Ensure that the domain is typed correctly."


I think that this error is server-side related, and has to do with the DNS setup... but i dont know the exact problem or how to correctly setup the dns server to allow clients to join it domain

 

[netsysadmin]

First thing you need to do is verify that DNS is fuctioning properly on the DC. You can check for problems in the DNS logs under the event viewer. First and most common mistake is not setting the DNS on the server correctly. Make sure the DNS is pointed to itself in TCP/IP properties on the server. Second most common mistake would be not having the client machins DNS pointed to the server IP...not your ISP's DNS address.

Good Luck!

John

 

[LS20]

that worked! i had to set the client's tcp settings to use the server as DNS... thanks alot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!