Joining a Windows Domain

Put: 09.11.2006 | Rev 09.11.2006 | Contributed by Andrew Mallett

The process of joining a Vista workstation to a Windows Server (2000/2003) Domain is basically the same as under previous versions of MS Windows (2000/XP Pro). As with previous versions, I recommend a full install of the workstation OS into a workgroup and then joining a DOmain after the workstation is working nicely on its own.

Go to Start | Control Panel | System. Under 'Computer name, domain and workgroup settings', click 'Change settings'..

Under System Properties | Computer Name tab, click on the 'Change' button..

Enter the name of the new Domain. Provide the username and password of a Domain Administrator when prompted..

Satisfactory Admninistrator credentials should result in the usual welcome message..

Reboot and log in to the Domain for the changes to take effect.

From the Domain Controller, the Windows Vista box should look like just any other workstation on the Domain..

- A.