Problems with win2k server

[Quino]

HI, I just finished installing win2k server on our network and there are some problems on it. First od all, the old server died and it has been replaced by this. It was Winnt server. We decided to keep the smae domain so we had to validate the domain aggain on each machine. On one of the machines I made a mistake and I tried to go back to before the domain to the workgroup and now when I try to join the domain on this machine it cannot find it. The machine (and all of them) are windows 2k. How, can I get back to the domain without reformating and reinstalling everything. Also, each machine has created a new user to the new domain since this is a win2k server with active directory configured. I need to get back all the inbox, sent items, contacts for from the old profiles, where do I look for them so I can retrieve them to the new profile? Any help will be greatly appreaciated.

 

[spyordie007]

No offense but you sound like you are in way over your head. Why did you setup active directory with so little research/knowledge beforehand?

We decided to keep the smae domain so we had to validate the domain aggain on each machine.

Just to clarify I'm assuming this means you joined the win 2k clients to the "new" domain?

If you didnt migrate your NT domain to Active Directory than what you have is a brand new Active Directory namespace and domain (that just happens to have the same name as the old one).

On one of the machines I made a mistake and I tried to go back to before the domain to the workgroup and now when I try to join the domain on this machine it cannot find it. The machine (and all of them) are windows 2k. How, can I get back to the domain without reformating and reinstalling everything.

If this machine is currently a workgroup member and it cannot find the domain than you are likely having either media/transport/protocol issues (start lower on the OSI model and work your way up). Pay particularily close attention to DNS (assuming everything below it is functioning right).

Also, each machine has created a new user to the new domain since this is a win2k server with active directory configured. I need to get back all the inbox, sent items, contacts for from the old profiles, where do I look for them so I can retrieve them to the new profile?

c:\documents and settings\old profile name would be a good place to start. If you are using outlook or outlook express the emails are stored in PST files that will need to be moved to the new profile and opened with outlook. If you're using another mail client YRMV.

Prepare yourself now for a learning experience and pay attention. If you try and fudge your way through this you will get yourself in to even worse trouble in the future.

Good Luck

-Spy

 

[mikecel79]

Couldn't agree with you more Spy.

Just to add one more thing. If you used Exchange as your mail server your in for a real headache. Here's a link for disaster recovery in case you need it.

I might also add that you should seriously consider a backup strategy for your new domain.

 

[Quino]

Hi, yes I only kept the same domain name. Also, the macnine was already in the domain and in my wisdom 🙁 I decided to take it out of it. Now, it does not find the domain. All the machines can see it and have joined the new domain. I had used win2k server before and I activated the active directory but it was a new install and new domain from scratch and it worked and has been working great, This one on the other hand was already installed adn working and i am trying to get it up and running, (which is up and runing with the exception of that machine). It is woorking but it is not being validated by the server.

Spy, no offense taken, no we did not migrate the old server to the new one since the old one died. Yes they did not have a back up system because they did not wanted to pay for it 🙁 so after this they have ok'd the purchase of a DLT tape and it will be installed.

If this machine is currently a workgroup member and it cannot find the domain than you are likely having either media/transport/protocol issues (start lower on the OSI model and work your way up). Pay particularily close attention to DNS (assuming everything below it is functioning right).

It was in the new domain but then I made a mistake and took it out of the domain by going into the workgroup again and now when I try to rejoin the server it does not see it anymore.

Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[mikecel79]

It was in the new domain but then I made a mistake and took it out of the domain by going into the workgroup again and now when I try to rejoin the server it does not see it anymore.

Thanks for all your help guys.

Go into Active Directory Users and Computers and remove the computer account. It should be in the Computers container unless you created OUs already and moved the stuff around. Just find the computer account and delete it. Or as another option you can change the name of the PC and add it to the domain again.

 

[Quino]

Thanks I will try that 🙂