Need quick step by step instruction! How do I start a domain server on Windows Server 2003 and join the domain?

[CZroe]

A guy next door wanted me to look at the problems with his "new network" at his business. I got the Internet connection and router up and running then solved a few quirky connection issues (PC unable to get DHCP from the router). The PCs were all on a workgroup, but he had followed a few of the wizards you see after the first boot on the Server 2003 machine and had it set up as a domain controller. The PCs could see eachother in their workgroups, but of course they couldn't see the server and the server couldn't see them. System Properties > Computer Name tab > Network ID button > Join domain RapidashInc.local would give a message saying the domain was not found.

I told him that setting up domains and such was over my head, but I do have books on it. I obviously don't have the time to read the entire book, so I really need a few step laid out for me I'm not going to be setting permissions and such (The guy is the user of each PC in the print shop). The guy has restored Windows Server 2003 so I don't have to wonder about any of his configuration issues.

What next? DCPROMOTE?

Thnx!

 

[JackMDS]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;291382

 

[Fiveohhh]

make sure you use the server as a DNS server and have the other pc's use it as their DNS(as well as itself). If your not going to be using permissions, why not just keep it as a workgroup...

Also if he set it up as a the DC shouldn't be any need to run dcpromo. I'm a little rusty, only setup one and that was just for the heck of it, so not sure about the dcpromo part, but I'm pretty sure DNS is your problem.

 

[deran]

If your network only has 1 server and with small network users then not really need to setup a Domain. The idea to use Domain is when user login to the Domain can use all shared on multi-server with single login.

Even you setup your network as workgroup still has security and setup permissions for the users.

 

[CZroe]

After the software restore, the server will no longer be a DC, correct?

How do I configure the clients to use it for DNS? The Linksys router is providing all DHCP settings.

The server was not "seeing" the workgroups. I assume this is default behavior.

Also, the DC will provide network resources, such as storage and high-end printers.

 

[Fiveohhh]

Originally posted by: CZroe
After the software restore, the server will no longer be a DC, correct?

How do I configure the clients to use it for DNS? The Linksys router is providing all DHCP settings.

The server was not "seeing" the workgroups. I assume this is default behavior.

Also, the DC will provide network resources, such as storage and high-end printers.

You can do all that with a workgroup, but if you still want the headache of a domain. if your linksys has a setting to hand out dhcp, make sure that its handing out the servers IP, otherwise set the server up for dhcp, and disable the routers dhcp.

 

[deran]

The server will no longer be a DC after you re-intstall the OS. If you are not setup DC then make sure your server is in the same workgroup.

 

[stash]

You could just run dcpromo again on the server to remove the domain without rebuilding the server.

 

[CZroe]

Thnx. OK, how do I demote a server?

 

[Fiveohhh]

Originally posted by: CZroe
Thnx. OK, how do I demote a server?

run dcpromo i believe

 

[deran]

To remove Active Directory and demote a domain controller:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type dcpromo, and then click OK to start the Active Directory Installation Wizard.
3. Click Next.
4. Use one of the following methods:
If this is the last domain controller in the domain, click to select the This server is the last domain controller in the domain check box, and then click Next.
If the domain controller is not the last domain controller in the domain, click Next.
5. Type a user name and password with the correct permissions to the domain, and then click Next.
6. Type, and then confirm the password for the administrator account on the server, and then click Next.
7. On the Summary page, click Next, and then click Finish.