How to have a DNS server(or similar) on a Win2K box??

[elgeorge]

Hello Guys..... I need your help.

Currently I've been asigned the task of testing and reviewing a product called LearningSpace, it is a LMS (Learning Managment System). My boss gave me a testing machine with Windows 2K Advanced Server to install the system, everything will work locally (although I'd rather keep the box connected to our network so I'll have Internet access).

LearningSpace installation specifically requests that the machine have a static IP address with a qualified name and domain suffix, so it seems that the usual localhost doesn't work (at least I haven't been able to make it work that way). Learningspace works together with IIS and SQL Server 2000, in fact, it seems that the requisite of the static IP and qualified domain name it's for communicating with the SQL Server DB.

I'm not a networking expert(I'm a developer), so maybe these questions are a bit stupid, but anyway... How can I have some sort of DNS system on this box, so I can define a static IP address that resolves to a qualified name with domain suffix???. I don't know if this is exactly what I need, I've heard some comments about DHCP and other things. I'm really stucked with the installation of this program, I've defined everything, SQL source and connection, IIS with all the required components, but the dang LearningSpace won't work. Networking guys here can't support me right now, they are too busy with a system integration in our future headquarters.

P.S: How a qualified name with domain suffix looks like ???

Any help will be appreciated.

Regards,

George

 

[Woodie]

Since you already have TCP/IP and DNS configured on your network (or you wouldn't be able to get to the Internet), why not contact your IT guys, and request a static IP address? That shouldn't be hard to get.

Failing that, I would NOT try to set up my own DNS server while connected to the company network..that's asking for problems, especially since you are not familiar w/ DNS setup.

DNS Services are included on the W2K Server CD...just select from the Add Programs tools, Windows Components, DNS Server. Configuration, especially in your case is a little too much to explain here. Read the doc from microsoft, and the 'net. Also, when you try the install, disconnect your LAN cable from the network..preferably at the hub/switch end, not at the Server end.

 

[elgeorge]

Hi Woodie, thanks for replying!

Yes, requesting the static IP was my first option, but that can take a few days here (It's a national bank in Venezuela, everything it's slow . Meanwhile my boss is breathing on my neck, so I must show him some results asap.

I can sacrifice not having the box connected to the network, anyway I have my workstation close to me just in case I need to check something on the net. So configuring everything locally here without network connection will do just fine.

I'll install the DNS service on the box and see what I can do. BTW.... if you can give me any help configuring this it will be appreciated, if you can point me to some docs or sites on the net that describe the process it would be very helpful, it's not that I'm a Networking Idiot, it's just that I'm not an expert, but I understand almost everything that's involved, and I can accomplish everything I read.

Thanks in advance.

George

 

[Woodie]

First thing: When the DNS wizard asks if you'll be a Root DNS, say NO!

I can't remember all the details of when I set up my home dns...but i'll try and remember.

Pick a Domain name that ends in .local as in: mytest.local
and your server would be: TestServer.mytest.local