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domain name keeps changing in xp

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13 replies

by thin white duke

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The domain name on some of our windows xp workstations keeps changing to a .org extension at random intervals. Consequently when this happens users wanting to use the workstation cannot log on to the domain. The administrator then has to use the network id wizard to change the domain name back again. Why does this happen and is there any way of preventing it from reverting again??

13 replies

by dave.osborne

Do you have your virus definitions and program up-to-date? Do you run it on a regular basis company wide, especially on the problem machines?

by timwalsh

Is the domain being changed to your domain name with a .org extension, or some totally different domain?

Does the other domain actually exist and is it being hosted locally?

Are the computers in question being used by multiple users?

Assuming you haven't been hacked, only someone with administrative privileges can change the domain to which a computer is joined. If these computers are used by multiple users, I would suggest that one of them (with administrative privileges at least on the "other" domain) is changing domain membership without your knowledge.

by thin white duke

Yes the domain is being changed to a our domain with an .org extension. The other domain does not exist and is not being hosted locally. The workstations in question are used by only one user.Only myself and my boss have administrative privileges so we can safely rule out your last suggestion.

by magetower

Are you using DHCP? If so when the system reverts to the .org domain do an IPCONFIG /ALL from a command window and see what the IP settings are. You may find they have changed.

by magetower

Ok, I'll need to know a little more about your network setup.

DHCP?
Your DNS or ISPs?
Domain or workgroup?
Active Directory?
All workstations or specific ones?

This will help narrow down possible places to look.

E-mail me if you like...
magetower@lvcm.com

by maxwell edison

I'd do a reristry search (on the client) of all instances of whatever-name.org, and if any are found, change it (them) to whatever-name.com

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