adding a new computer to a server running WinServer 2003

[howiess2000]

Hey all,

I'm studying to get my MCSA. I like to add a laptop to the server/network that I'm doing excersices on. Looking around there doesn't seem to be any info on configuring a new computer to a server.

So I was wondering, Does anyone know how to add a computer/laptop to a server? (or is it just a matter of connecting an RJ45 to each NIC card?)

The server is running Windows Server 2003, and the laptop is running XP pro. I plan on hard wiring the laptop.

Thank You, and if there is any more info needed, I'll be glad to include it.

PS, if you have a link, that would suffice...thanx again

[ssahl]

Do you mean getting on the domain? You can look at the computer running server 2003 by right clicking on My Computer and clicking on properties, then clicking on the Computer Name tab and seeing if it is on a domain, or just on a workgroup. It would be helpful to know what kind of server it is, or what it's setup to do. (file server, domain controller, dns server, ftp, etc...) If it's just on a workgroup then on your computer go to that same place, then click on the Change button and change it to the same workgroup. If it's on a domain there is a little more to it then that, for one Home additions of Windows OS will not join a domain, if you OS does let you join a domain
you will need to change the TCP/IP to have the same dns server address as the dns server of that domain (it would probably be the same dns enteries that is set on the server.) The IP address, subnet, & gateway can be left on auto if these computers are going through a router, or if you have an actual DHCP server.
After that you can go to that same Computer Name tab and click the change button, this time selecting the domain option, and enter the name of the domain. You will probably need to have a domain login account that has the rights to do this too.
If the computer running server 2003 is just for testing/learning you should set it up to be a domain controller, dns, dhcp, directory server and create your own local domain, it would be a lot of reading, but the how too Microsoft guide is pretty clear (and long)
All the info is here, just need to find it.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...38(WS.10).aspx

Trust me, it would be way better to have to learn it in this environment as opposed to doing it first time for an employer who is part of some kind of business needing this done start to finish over the weekend so there is no downtime.

[glc]

To physically connect them, just plug a Ethernet patch cable from each one into a router or a switch.

[howiess2000]

ssahl,

thank you for all the info. I looked at System Properties -> Computer Name, and found the the comp running WinServer2003 is the domain 'contoso.com' and full computer name is 'Server01.contoso.com'.

I'm gonna tinker with it in the next few days when I get a little time. I'll keep you posted. And thank you again.

(as far as what it is setup to do, its just set up according to the exercises in the book)