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Connectivity problem

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18 replies

by mkfme

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I upgraded, apparently successfully, an NT4 PC to XP Pro. The problem is I'm unable to connect to the Internet or join a domain. It appears to be a DNS problem (error trying to join a domain = DNS name does not exist) but nothing I've tried works. I can ping internal and external IPs fine. I've used DNS IPs that work with other PCs. I've run the XP network troubleshooting utility and it says all is OK. I've searched the MS KB with no luck. Help!

18 replies

by bart777

Point the NIC DNS settings to the PDC role holder.

Make sure that there isn't a machine account on the domain for htis machine already.

Then try to join the domain using the FQDN of the new domain. (mydomain.local or mydomain.com)

If it currently thinks it is part of the domain move it to a workgroup and then readd it to the domain.

Good luck

by mkfme

I already did this. I tried joining an NT domain and a Win2K3 domain - neither successful. I tried moving to a workgroup and connecting - no luck - then tried joining a domain again - no luck. I've been able to do this with other XP PCs set up the same way. I also tried connecting directly to the Internet via a cable modem - no luck. I replaced the nic - still no go. It's a stumper.

by meltvn

try uninstalling the network card and drivers and then reinstall it.
If the computer previously belonged to a domain it should be put in a workgroup.

by mkfme

I already tried replacing the nic - made no difference. I also had put in a workgroup - still can't connect to the Internet. In checking the network properties it shows that the nic had acquired an IP from the DHCP server, that it found the gateway and the DNS servers I listed - same as other PCs on the network. I also tried connecting directly to the Internet via a cable modem with the same results.

by sgt_shultz

does this pc have any firewall product that you've uninstalled? like zonealarm or norton. not to mention xp sp2's firewall (you turned that off yes?)
it is a long shot, but older versions of zonealarm don't always uninstall gracefully and can take out your internet et al.

by mkfme

The only firewall is XP SP-3 and I already tried after disabling - no luck.

by sgt_shultz

does this pc have any firewall product that you've uninstalled? like zonealarm or norton. not to mention xp sp2's firewall (you turned that off yes?)
it is a long shot, but older versions of zonealarm don't always uninstall gracefully and can take out your internet et al.

by hozcanhan

relagate to a workgroup . then back up to a domain . don't use the same or an old account. create a new account with new permissions/rights at the server . try multiple DNS server ip if you have access to multiple DNs servers. finally enable netbios over tcp/ip in the WINS tab at the advanced settings of tcp/ip properties.

by vinay256

pls disable your windows firewall in the xppro and try connecting it. i think this would work fine. To do this Open My networkPlaces and click on the Local Area Connection and go to its properties and disable the firewall

by kbrussel

If you're joining a domain, ensure the pc is pointing to the internal DNS server(s). The internal DNS servers should have forwarding enabled, to the ISP's DNS addresses. The workstations and servers should not have external DNS servers listed on the adapters themselves, just in Forwarding on the internal DNS server.

by mkfme

Doesn't explain why I'm not able to connect to Internet direct via cable modem when not trying to join a domain. Must be the same problem but your suggestion doesn't resolve - thanks.

by meltvn

Best solution.
Backup your data, format and clean install XP.
You have spend to much time on one pc. No mention was made that the pc was crusial for the business operations.
It seem you have tried alemost everything. Upgrades do not succeed allways.
Good luck.

by mkfme

There are some particular reasons why I didn't want to go this route but sometimes, as you say, we just need to move on. Thanks for the reminder.

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