Active Directory hates me!

[IMDumb]

Sorry if this is a lame question. I am starting to study for the first test to get mt MCSE with XP but the book says stuff like, "to do this must must have a 2000 server running Active Directory and DNS" Hello! Isn't that the stuff I'm trying to learn how to do? Anywy...

QUESTION
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I installed Win 2000 Server, then I used the "Configure your Server" wizard to setup Active Directory. I fill in the info. The group name is MSHOME and the domain name is local, of course, making the Active Directory name MSHOME.local It installs some components, then I get a message "The network location cannot be reached. Fomore information about troubleshooting.... blah blah blah." I thought, maybe the DNS has to be set up first, and the wizard is struggling to do it on its own (Could Microsoft create a wizard that does know what its doing? Is that possible... Servy says...) Anyway, so I blind set up the Domain Name Server, but the radio box on the Active Directory option for the zone was greyed out. Presumably because Active Directory was never installed. So now what do I do? Is there a setting somewhere I missed? Do I just have a bad copy of 2000? HELP!

Also, any advice about certs. My inital plan was to get MCSA (XP) and probably some 2000 stuff also, then try for a job an elementary school or something for some entry level experience while I work for my MCSE

Thanks,
Ty

 

[tlcscousin]

Are you connected to the Internet when you try thr DCPROMO? If so disconnect from the Internet.
When you try installing AD and this is just your own test network, you have to promote it to a new forest new tree new domain.It must be able to communicate with another either PC or a HUB.The PC just has to be running, or the hub has to be working even if no other PC is hooked up.As for DNS it has to be used if you want to setup AD.You can either set it up prior to the PROMO or do it later.
The error you are getting is because AD searches for any domain with that same name.If it can't reach anything to query it fails.Having a hub hooked up or another PC will enable AD to query for a duplicate domain name.

 

[DaShard]

Yup, Microsoft will go down to $30.00 soon enough....

 

[ianf]

You don't really need another PC (or network) to attach to, but you will have to have a network card installed even if you aren't connecting to another PC.

There must be a way of fiddling the loopback address without one, but at £10 for a NIC, why bother ?

If you go through the Active Dir setup and the auto-detect doesn't find a valid DNS server, it will force you to install one locally. If you aren't attached to a network, this is no worry whatsoever, just go along with the prompts. If you are on a network check with your network admin that it's alright to do this. Ian

"IF" is not a word it's a way of life

 

[GlenJohnson]

In order for active directory to work, you need a domain, otherwise your running a stand alone server. If you have a second server, you can then create a domain and set up active directory. AD rely's heavily on DNS. It must be almost PERFECT for AD to work correctly. AD needs to replicate it's settings, and without another server to replicate to, you can't have ad. (I'm not an expert, so if there is a way of setting up ad without a true domain with multiple servers, I'd love to know how since I'm getting ready to set up a test network at home. I've finished 70-210 and recieved my MCP, then I finished 70-215, now I'm going for 70-216 and the newest test for MCSA. Problem is I really need to use dhcp and such, but we don't use here at work.) Glen A. Johnson
Microsoft Certified Professional
gjohn76351@msn.com
"To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child."
Cicero (106-43 B.C.); Roman orator, philosopher.

 

[mickyjune26]

to answer your question about AD-integrated DNS server...
...You're going to have to install a basic Pri-DNS zone, then install AD, then install AD-integrated DNS server (if you want to use it, because it has many extra features), though you're not required to have AD-integrated DNS zone.

the job thing is tricky, if you don't have any experience, then you might not get hired, even w/MCSA cert. You need to rub some shoulders w/some pro's in the area so they will back you on an internship or referral on your resume. W/ a little experience, and your MCSA cert, you should be able to get into IT.