Formatting a corporate machine

[Cristatus]

I have decided that my office computers are long overdue for a format, but the original network designer has left. The only thing left behind were the XP setup disks, because he made the computers as well.

The thing is, I have no idea what kind of services and/or programs were installed to handle the login.

I do know that there are 6 computers attached to the network, and they all belong to the domain. One of the computers (actually a Desktop Replacement Laptop) was added later, and so I know that the network is modifiable.

Basically, I am going to test this on a 7th computer (actually a laptop), but I need to figure out what kind of services were required to logon, if any, and what programs I may need to run these services. As long as I get this information, I believe that I can format the computers. Obviously, as I mentionted, I will be using a different computer.

So, I come to you Anandtech.

Thanks in advance.

(C)

 

[CalvinHobbes]

Is this a windows based network/domain?

If so you don't need any information except for network settings like IP, DNS, WINS, etc.

If you use DHCP then you don't really need anything other than the domain name and a user who can add a system to the domain.

 

[Cristatus]

Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that this is indeed a fully Windows based domain. And I do believe it is DHCP, from what I checked out in the settings.

 

[mechBgon]

To join the computer to the domain,

1) log onto it as one of its Administrator-class user accounts

2) right-click My Computer on the desktop or Start menu as the case may be, and choose Properties from the right-click menu. A panel will open.

3) go to the Network Identification tab of the panel and click the Properties button there (picture for reference :camera🙂

4) fill in the name of the domain, click the OK button, and you should get a username/password prompt. Use the username & password of a domain user account (not one of the computer's own user accounts) which has the power to add the system to the domain, like CalvinHobbes said.


This topic is a better fit for the Operating Systems forum than the Windows/PC Software forum (which is for software that runs on Windows), so it's being transferred to Operating Systems.

AnandTech Moderator
mechBgon

 

[RebateMonger]

The above advice is good, but you really should mention what kind of Server you have. If it's Windows Small Business Server, then the proper technique for joining the Domain is different.

You ought to consider bringing in a qualfied external consultant, at least to take a look at your Server and network. I see a LOT of small business networks, and unless they've been properly maintained by a qualified person, there are ALWAYS some major functional, security or safety issues.

It's almost universal, for instance, to find that backups aren't being made or that they aren't working like they are supposed to. Our last Network Survey found that a major Doctor's office, where they were diligently swapping backup tapes every day, was making NO backups. Somebody had installed the "TRIAL" version of backup software and never purchased the license. The Trial version expired six months ago. Result: No backups. That's why backups must be tested periodically and monitored for success/failure.