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Can't join domain

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by doublesnapper

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Sumbody help me...
My computer was in a domain. It was taken off to join a workgroup. When i try to rejoin the domain i get "error validating name 'domain'"
"domain doesn't exist or could not be contacted"

I've looked at several technet Q articles and none have resolved my problem. After fighting this for ~8 hours I started getting another problem. ipconfig /renew now gives me the error
"No connection could be made because the target machine actively refused it."

Any help wouldbe GREATLY appreciated!!

4 replies

by lordinfidel

If it's the same system name, you need to remove the old system from the domain.

This is done (in nt4) from server mgr.

It looks like the domain is rejecting the system due to the same name issue. It does not see it as the same system, even though it is.

Or you can just change the name of the machine.

by doublesnapper

Here's a little background:

I did change my system name because someone put a unix machine on our net and it somehow assumed the same name as my computer(i know, sounds crazy)

I come in and can't access the network. scanned our net and found another computer w/ my name. So I change my name....no help. So I remove my pc from domain and try to rejoin and get this problem. CHecked my SRV records in DNS and they look good. tcp/ip settings look good.

by rajiv-arora

Assuming you are using Win2k.

Sysprep can be found in \support\deployment\deploy.cab directory

Sysprep is a utility that helps prepare a Win2K Server or Win2K Pro machine (that's not a domain controller) for disk duplication or imaging. In addition, it erase all the security information on the PC (SID's), which are referencing your old PC's name, which is probably the reason why you cannot connect to the Domain. Once Sysprep is run, your PC boots as if you are about to install Win2k, but all the files and essentially all your apps and data are INTACT. Do not be scared at this point. All you need is all the license (CD Key) info handy, and you are on your way to joining the Domain. Use the Network ID button, it invokes the wizard. Youwill need the Admin password to join the Domain.

Hope this helps.

by lordinfidel

If they don't have access to the resource kit.

A quick and dirty that I do all the time is)

A: remove it from domain and join workgroup.
B: Rename machine
C: reboot
c1: In server mgr remove the wkstn/server
(Highlight it's name and press delete)
c2: Highlight the PDC, Go to
computer/Synchronize domain
(This forces a synch with all bdc's)
D: Join the domain

If worse comes to worse and that still does not work, then use sysprep.

If yo do not have theresource kit and have never used sysprep before, contact me thru the TR and I will show you where to get the files and how to run it.

But if your copy of 2k is not a "no license" copy, you will need a valid license key.

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