Joining 2k3 Domain

I have just installed Vista RC1 on a laptop and have been successful in
connecting to the internet...and am configured on teh WORKGROUP domain. I
brought the computer back into the the office and have attempted to change to
the company domain, and get the message:

"The active directory domain controller for the domain foo.com could not be
contacted.

Ensure that the domain name is typed correctly"

Help!!!?!?

I'm in the same boat. I just installed RC1 and am trying to join a 2K3
Domain. The Domain name is "Lightstorm". Whether I use the wizard or just
try to Change the Nework Domain, I get the following error message "Your
computer could not be joined to the domain because the follwing error has
occured: The format of the specified networ name is invalid."

I tried "Lightstorm" and the web domain name "Lightstorm.org" neither one
worked.

Obviusly I am doing something wrong, but we add/remove WinXP pc's on
aregular basis on this domain without a problem.

"WebGuyMark" wrote:

> I have just installed Vista RC1 on a laptop and have been successful in
> connecting to the internet...and am configured on teh WORKGROUP domain. I
> brought the computer back into the the office and have attempted to change to
> the company domain, and get the message:
>
> "The active directory domain controller for the domain foo.com could not be
> contacted.
>
> Ensure that the domain name is typed correctly"
>
> Help!!!?!?

Wtnst wrote:
> I'm in the same boat. I just installed RC1 and am trying to join a
> 2K3 Domain. The Domain name is "Lightstorm". Whether I use the
> wizard or just try to Change the Nework Domain, I get the following
> error message "Your computer could not be joined to the domain
> because the follwing error has occured: The format of the specified
> networ name is invalid."
>
> I tried "Lightstorm" and the web domain name "Lightstorm.org"
> neither one worked.
>
> Obviusly I am doing something wrong, but we add/remove WinXP pc's on
> aregular basis on this domain without a problem.

Ensure that your network settings are configured correctly, with correct
values for IP address and subnet mask (I know, but lets start at the
beginning), DNS servers, and Gateway.

Next, join the Windows 2003 domain using the *fully qualified name* of your
Windows 2003 active directory domain.

Oh yeah - you probably want to make sure your firewall isn't turned on and
blocking your attempts to join the domain, too.


--
Robert Moir
Microsoft MVP
www.robertmoir.com