trouble with WinXP HOME network user accounts

[SpecialEd]

Okay... My boss wanted me to test out WinXP so he bought me Win XP home edition upgrade to install on my computer (he probably should have gotten Pro, but he's my boss so I didn't say anything). Everything seems to be okay... but I i have no idea how I join my network domain... so can't log on as my network user.

all the user accounts are local:

local\specialed


I want to create a user thats:

serverdomain\specialed


I'm brand new to XP and i'm not too sure where everything is yet... can you guys help me out?

 

[bozo1]

Home edition does not allow you to join a domain. You need Pro for that.

 

[Saltin]

I have had some success joining XP Home to a domain. Name the workgroup you are joining the same name as your domain.
I'm sure this isnt 100% perfect, but it does allow file sharing, etc. I didn't spend too much time with it.

 

[SpecialEd]

thanks for the info guys... I really appreicate it!

 

[bozo1]

That will allow some simple file sharing and stuff but not much more than that. You still aren't joining the domain. By naming your workgroup the same as your domain, you are tricking it into accepting some userid's for security as the names are the same. You still won't be able to do things that require actual domain authentication such as password changes, etc.

 

[SpecialEd]

yeah... I changed my workgroup to my domain name and I have been able to access everything I need.

But for things like my outlook account and such, i always get prompted to enter username and password. Same thing goes for files on the network. I know I can find ways around it, but I don't think that the average computer user in my office could deal with it.

I'm testing how compatible it would be with our network environment. Obviously, Home edition is not the way to go. I'm going to ask him if we can get a pro edition to test.

 

[Saltin]

Like I said, it's a quick fix, not 100% for obvious reasons, but it beats the hell outta nothing at all. If you want 2000 professional style networking options, go with Pro. It's a million times better.