i am having problems connecting computers to my 2003 Server

[MediaInfo]

Hi Guys,

I am having problems with my new adventure of creating Windows 2003 server at home.

I have recently installed Win 2003 Server on my computer. In past this machine had Windows XP installed which was connected to the Wireless router using a wireless card.

I have two other desktops (both Win XP) which are also connected to this wireless router. One is using the network cable and the other one has a wireless card.

I also have a laptop which i use now and then to use internet.

Since i have installed Windows 2003 i have lost track of how i can create a network so i can share files, printer etc...

I have installed Active Directory on the server and now want to add all the desktops and laptops to connect to my Domain. But when i try to do that it is giving me DNS error message.

I am not just looking for how to create an SRV record (as it asks me in that error message), i need some help/guidence on how i should be connecting all the computers to this network and take full advantage of the Cliant Server network.

I would appriciate your help.

Many Thanks!

 

[LWComputingMVP]

DNS is a VITAL part of an Active Directory domain. You need to make sure the server is running a DNS server AND that both your clients and the server are using the Windows server and ONLY the windows server for DNS.

If your server isn't using itself for DNS yet, make the adjustment and reboot it. Then make the adjustment on the clients and reboot them.

Ideally, you are using DHCP from the server and NOT the router. If you are using the router, make sure the router is handing out the server's DNS address and ONLY that address.

10 DNS Errors That Will Kill Your Network

http://mcpmag.com/features/article.asp?EditorialsID=413

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 2000 DNS and Windows Server 2003 DNS

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=291382

Best practices for DNS client settings in Windows 2000 Server and in Windows Server 2003

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=825036

How to Verify the Creation of SRV Records for a Domain Controller

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=241515

SRV Resource Records May Not Be Created on Domain Controller

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=239897

How Domain Controllers Are Located in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314861

How to Verify an Active Directory Installation in Windows Server 2003

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=816106

 

[MediaInfo]

Thanks for your reply lwcomputing.

" You need to make sure the server is running a DNS server AND that both your clients and the server are using the Windows server and ONLY the windows server for DNS."

I have installd DNS server when installing AD. But not sure if it is running properly. How can i check?

"Ideally, you are using DHCP from the server and NOT the router. If you are using the router, make sure the router is handing out the server's DNS address and ONLY that address."

I have not installed DHCP on my Server yet. I am using the router to do that. How do i make sure that the router is handing out the server's DNS address and ONLY that address??

Many Thanks!

 

[jabw]

I have not installed DHCP on my Server yet. I am using the router to do that. How do i make sure that the router is handing out the server's DNS address and ONLY that address??

Just configure your router and tell it to use your windows 2003 as the primary DNS server. But it just might be that the DHCP feature of your router doesn't support this.