design a network

[houssam_ballout]

Hello all,
I've 3 PCs, one has win 2003 server and the other 2 has win xp sp2 running on it,
what do I need to make a network with Active directory (on 2003),
what settings do I need to include with 2003 /and over the network
THanks

[Law]

You need DNS service and Windows XP Professional or 2000 Professional.

[houssam_ballout]

I've xp what about DNS Service, is it insallted on 2003 server?
Thanks

[mBernhardt]

When you set up Active Directory shouldn't it automatically install DNS if it is not present?

[superdave1984]

I don't know about 2003, but 2k server DNS must be installed and enabled for AD to function. And I think it must be done manually. I haven't worked with 2k server in years so I may be incorrect on that part. But I know DNS MUST be enabled for AD to work.

[Law]

Actually when you initiate dcpromo.exe, I think it will ask you not install it automatically for you.

I recommend you install the DNS service first so you don't run into any problem early. But it doesn't really matter, I've heard people doing it the other way around but that's just the way I do it and never ran into any problems.

[houssam_ballout]

ok thanks,
I've got a new switch, I've created a list of users in the active directory, how can I make the users logon but with the account from the Active directory? any additional settings for the server or for the other PCs?

[IBMan]

right click my computer(on xp or 2k) click properties, in Xp it'll be under computer name, in 2k it'll be under network identification, click change, change to domain and type the full dns name for your domain..

example: domain.com/domain.local

click ok, authenticate with AD adminsitrator, restart, logon to domain.

and for the record, yes in 2k3 for sure and i believe in 2k as well DCPROMO will ask you if you want it to install and setup DNS during the promotion.