Naming Computer Workstations &
Adding them to the
Windows Domain (or Linux Samba Server)
Here are directions and screenshots for adding computers with Microsoft Windows to an existing domain. Computers need to be added to the domain so they can do things like easily share files and also have the ability to change passwords. Further enhancements may be available to computers who are logged into the domain as well.
Naming a workstation is important. Proper naming of machines will simplify system administration and also make it easier to keep track of machines on the network. Names for computers on a network should be planned out in advance. Operating systems like Win2k and WinXP take special advantage of computers named in a consistent manner.
Windows 98 | Windows 2K | Windows XP
Windows 98: [top]
A Windows 98 Install CD may be necessary. Rebooting the machine may also be required. In Windows 98, joining a workgroup and joining a domain are located in two different places. To join a workgroup and name the computer:
- Right-Click on the Network Neighborhood icon located on the desktop and select Properties
- Select the Identification Tab
- The Computer name: should be the name given by the network admin
- Workgroup will be the domain or workgroup name provided
- Computer Description can be any description of the computer
To join a domain:
- Right-Click on the Network Neighborhood icon located on the desktop and select Properties
- In the Configuration tab select Client for Microsoft Networks, then the Properties button
- In the next window select the box Log on to Windows NT domain
- Type in the domain name assigned to the network by your system administrator
- Click OK, then OK again to exit out of the control panel. A reboot of the machne will be necessary for the changes to take hold
- When the computer is rebooted the domain will now appear as a choice to log in to
Windows 98 | Windows 2K | Windows XP
The user must be logged in as the Administrator to add a workstation to the domain.
-
Right-Click on My Computer and select Properties
- Click on the Network Identification Tab
- Click the Properties button to change the identification of the computer
- Name the Computer something appropriate, a name that fits into the structure of your existing network. See your network admin if you are unsure of the name to use
- Select the button next to the word Domain
- Type in the appropriate Domain name. Please see your network admin if you are unsure of the proper domain to use
- Click Okay. A dialogue box will pop up and ask you to enter in a username and password. The user name is root and the password will be supplied by your network admin
- Click OK
- Wait until the "Welcome to the _____ domain" message
appears
- Click okay and the machine has been successfully joined to the domain
- When the user first logs in there will be a choice to log in to the domain or log in to the local machine with no domain access
Add a Windows XP Workstation to a Domain: [top}
The user must be logged in as the Administrator to add a workstation to the domain. To join a domain in XP two changes to the system registry must be made. Here are the necessary changes:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon\Parameters]
(This is the location in the registry)
"requiresignorseal"=dword:00000000
(This parameter was originally set to 1)
"signsecurechannel"=dword:00000000
(This parameter was originally set to 1)
Always back up the registry first in case the change made causes the machine not to boot!
How to edit the Registry:
- Select Start, Then Run
- Type in regedit
- Click OK
The Registry opens in a new window. You will see the folders on the left hand side and the contents on the right.
- Navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES -> SYSTEM -> CurrentControlSet -> Services -> Netlogon -> Parameters directory
- The two settings to change are located inside the Parameters directory
- Double-Click on requiresignorseal and change the Value Data from 1 to 0
- Click OK
- Double-Click on signsecurechannel and change the Value Data from 1 to 0
- Click OK
- Reboot the computer
Now the XP machine will be able to log in to the domain. To locate "My Computer" in XP, click on Start, and then right click on My Computer and select properties. You can also click on the 'Computer Name" tab of the "System Properties Control Panel. Continue by following the directions above for adding a Windows 2000 machine to a domain.
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