W2K Server: Can I switch to a Domain instead of Workgroup? 2

[dieselBREATH]

How do I switch to a domain instead of a workgroup without hurting myself? I am building the pC's and networking a small office of 6 computers. One is the server, the others are all Windows 2000 WS. I am not MCSE Cert. and yep, I am runing the cable and making my own patch cords myself. AAARRRGGGHHH! All for the first time! I just learned about the draw backs of not setting up a domain today......the hard way. This has been a great way to cut my teeth on building a W2K network. Just nerve racking. Anyone willing to hold my hand a little?

 

[samara]

it's so smiple, at first your server should have a partion formatted NTFS. Then you could run command: dcpromo to make it a DC (Domain controller).
HOW ???
Start ---> Run ---> dcpromo "then ENTER"
this will invoke Active Directory Setup Wizard, go with it step by step to setup your Active Directory, DNS, domain, and forest...

you can reach that also through
Admin Toold ---> configure your server ---> Active Directory

Hope this would help YOU...

Mohamed Aly
samara_79@hotmail.com

 

[ShaithisDanoveur]

Incidentally, this process will take you roughly 30 minutes. If you don't already have that NTFS partition, you'll need one - either make room and repartition/reformat or get Partition Magic and repartition so you can make one.

The data in active directory should be kept in a separate physical drive than the logs for maximum performance, but with only 6 users it really won't hurt you.

I suggest doing this first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee and the newspaper handy. Do some mild finger-limbering exercises so you don't strain the clicker finger.

Then run DCPROMO and follow the prompts.

If you'd like to be able to "play with active directory", there's a way. SmartCertify has a Windows 2000 Active Directory Setup course you can demo at no cost, and is very thorough. It'll let you actually go through the steps of setting up DNS, setting up your forest, promoting your server role to that of a PDC, give you all the caveats, all without breaking a single thing.

If you're interested in taking their courses, give them a call, very reasonable prices. I spoke to them recently about doing a bit of training myself (gotta stay up on this stuff). Gentleman there by the name of Rob Miller - great guy. Ask for him, he'll treat you right. And their training is top-notch - I know I'll definitely be sending subordinates through their program in the future

And if you do call him, tell him I said hello

 

[Pilot1]

A small suggestion on the network media (cables). Instead of making long patch cords and fool around with crimping RJ-45's, get a small swing rack, a small patch panel, some boxes and jacks. You can make a small network that works very well and will not cause problems with bad connections! I use the Panduit line of networking supplies which are available everywhere. They are color coded for EIA/TIA 568A or B and all you need is a cable jacket stripper and pliers to terminate the cables. You can then buy pre-assembled patch cords and patch the jacks on the swing rack to the hubs or switches, and then connect the pc's, print servers and the like to jacks mounted in boxes using the same patch cords. Usually pre-assembled patch cords made by Belkin in the 3 foot range run around $3.50 each at the wholesaler.