Networks

I have a desktop and a laptop with Windows Server 2003.

The desktop is setup as the domain controller, with a domain name of contoso.com, while the laptop is setup as a member server.

When I go to Computer Name on my laptop and try to have it connect to the domain contoso.com, it times out for about 15 seconds and then it gives me an error:

"A domain controller for the domain contoso.com could not be contacted."

I triple checked that I typed in the correct computer names and domain names on both computers, I also double-checked that I created a computer account for the laptop on my domain controller. After opening up ports 135, 445, and 1024-1034 on both computers, I was able to ping each other by IP address with no problems but my laptop still could not contact the domain controller when I tried connecting it to the domain again.

So to temporarily fix the issue, I connected both computers directly to each other via patch cable and then I was able to have them see each other through the contoso.com domain.

However I have no internet connection now.

Can someone explain to me what settings within in the router and computers I need to change so they can see each through the contoso.com domain and be able to connect to the internet?

To explain my physical setup, I have ATT as my ISP with their U-Verse gateway delivering my internet and TV service. I have a 2nd T-Mobile Linksys router delivering my home phone service which is plugged into the ATT gateway. Both computers are plugged directly to the ATT gateway.

Should I try connecting them to the Linksys router or use a 3rd Microsoft router which I have as a spare?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.