Domain controller could not be found

[Rshepdown]

I am trying to add a computer to a Win2000 network, the computer is running XP Pro. The network has 15 clients running XP Pro plus plus a member server - W2K- and a print server - XP Pro.
I have added a computer in Active Directory Users and Computers, and an A record in DNS Forward lookup Zone. When trying to add the computer to the network using the net ident wizard or computer rename, I get a 'Domain controller could not be found' message. On inspection of the computer properties in Active Directory Users and Computers, there is no DNS name (greyed out) and I cannot find a way to set it. Looking through helps etc, it seems maybe DHCP should set it?

It is a long time since I worked with networks and I have no formal training on DNS/DHCP.

The domain controller has been set up by the local education authority and they charge extortionate amounts for support hence the post.

 

[Saugilsr]

Ok. First you shouldn't need to create the account for the computer. When you join the computer to the domain it will create the account for you. Also delete the DNS record as that will also dynamical updated. (Assuming the w2k is also the dns server which im assuming.)

If you computers are using dhcp make sure they are recieveing a DNS address for a domain server that knows the IP of AD domain.

Im assuming that the w2k server is housing DNS, DHCP and AD. So you really shouldn't have to do much. DHCP sould give the computer a DNS ip for the w2k server that way when you join the computer to the domain it should find the domain and create the computer account for you.

As a test on the computer you are adding to the domain go to the command prompt and make sure you can ping the domain controller using its hostname.