Cannot connect to Active Directory

[JSUAlumni]

I know this is probably not a directly related Server problem, but I figure those of you who are experts in Server could tell me what's going wrong. I have a Windows 2000 Server (obviously), and I want to attempt to install Exchange 2000. The first thing I try to do is run /ForestPrep, but when I do I get the following two errors:
Cannot connect to Windows 2000 Active Directory
Schema master cannot be contacted for the forest

/DomainPrep gives the same error. So does just trying to install Exchange. I have the appropriate admin permissions: Admin, Domain admin, schema admin, and enterprise admin. I know Active Directory is up and running. We only have one server cause it's a very small office. So, it's the domain controller and email server. I've tested and used Active Directory Users and Computers, etc. so I know it's working. Any ideas?

 

[BobSchleicher]

Are you sure your DNS is configured correctly?

BobSchleicher

 

[JSUAlumni]

What part of the DNS setup are you referring to? Is there a particular part?

 

[BobSchleicher]

Make sure your forward lookup zones is configured correctly and I also use the reverse lookup zone.

Try doing this..when you are at a w2k pc or server go to manage and select another w2k pc not a server from the drop down list if it connects without a problem then you probably have it configured correctly if not you may need to change something in your DNS settings.

I am not saying this is a definite answer but when I was setting up our server in a test environment I found that when my DNS wasn't configured correctly that was I problem I had. I could do pretty much anything esle without a problem except for manage my workstation, if I typed the IP address in instead of using the drop down list I could fully manage the workstation.
Hope this helps.

BobSchleicher

 

[JSUAlumni]

Well, we've added users into the Active Directory users and computers and then they were able to log into the domain. The computer in question is our only server in the whole domain. Because of the users being able to log in, I assumed that Active Directory was up and running OK.

 

[BobSchleicher]

When I was testing our server I could add users and computers and run logon scripts without a problem but when I wanted to manage a workstation by right clicking on my computer and selecting manage it would not let me connect to another workstation. When I did a little more reading and reconfigured my DNS settings I was able to manage all of my workstations and servers through the manage function. I am only telling you this because maybe(?) this might affect others things other than manage.
Once again I am not saying this is your problem I am just offering an option. Good Luck.

BobSchleicher

 

[JSUAlumni]

I appreciate your help. I think I have narrowed down the problem, how to fix it is another issue. My problem seems to be that I am using a DNS Server provided to me by my ISP. This is causing some problems with the DNS resolution, now I just need to figure out how to fix it.

 

[BobSchleicher]

Set up your DNS for your network not through your ISP then use forward lookup zones to forward any internet calls needed. You will probably have to do some studying to figure out your situation. I wish I could help. Sounds like a good challenge.

BobSchleicher