laptop doesnt logon to domain

You have to first lig in as Administrator and then change from work group to Domain by following steps-

1. Log in as Administrator
2. See that the IP address of your laptop is in the same network as of your Domain Controller. If not, change the IP address ,for example if your domain controller has 192.1.2.1,then change your IP address to the corresponding network of the DC.(Remember the classes).
3. Give the IP address of the DNS server in the prefered DNS box in the TCP/IP properties box

click ok.

4. Right click my computers, select properties, select Network Identification Tab, select properties, select Domain radio button and type the name of the Domain Controller and click ok.

5. Give the administrator name and password if asked.

6. click ok and you need to reboot the system.

You will notice the domain name in the LOG ON drop down box. Select it click ok.

The above solution is perfect, and just fro more flexibility make sure that if you are using WinXP you enable Netbios Over TCP/IP.

ah not to bash anyone but FYI, Windows 2000 or better O/Ss and Networks running W2K server in native mode do not require NetBIOS over TCP/IP. W2K, W2K server, XP Pro, W2003 Server are true TCP/IP meaning they do not need Machine addresses [because TCP/IP will assign themselves an IP address if one is not assigned or there is no DHCP server to give them one]. Only pre W2K O/S require NetBIOS or other O/Ss the rely upon a Machine address to find other hosts require NetBIOS over TCP/IP.

Also, Make sure it's WinXP Pro, as WinXP Home doesn't let you log into ANY DOMAIN (by default).

er, is this XP Home or Professional?