Domain Joining - Computer Selection Screen?

[kwaggawerner]

Hi Guys,

I come from a [mostly] Windows 2003 Small Business Server - environment, when joining a client to the domain, I used to go to the local server page, and I would join the server through its automated setup. Now I'm studying with Windows Server 2003 Standard, I know how to join a domain, but, I keep thinking that when I use "Network ID' I will get a selection screen, of all the computers and clients available, as in has not been taken yet (free slots). I've tried both Network ID, and standard long-way round (specifying computer name and domain name) but I still get no domain-available-computers screen, even when I specify the exact computer, it still tells me it cannot find it, see attached pic.

Am I missing something, or has my brain regressed?

P.S I can confirm that PC1 has been created on the server, it is however, under a custom OU - but that shouldn't be an issue right? - default GPO has also been applied to the custom OU.

 

[passive]

try using FQDN: kwagga.local

 

[Johan449]

Server 2003 don't like a pc rename and domain join in one operation.

Rename the pc, reboot and then join the domain. It will tell you there is already such a computer account and ask if you want to use it.

 

[thisgeek]

Sounds like there's an issue with the computer account on the domain. Delete the computer account, and then try join the computer to the domain. When you join a computer to the domain a computer account is automatically created, provided you use credentials that have the rights to do so when prompted.

Renaming a domain machine - there are two ways to do it in a 2003 environment.

The old way is to take the machine off the domain, rename it, reboot, and re-join it to the domain.
The better way is to simply rename the computer while it is still a member of the domain, and the computer account will automatically rename (This is true for 2003 machines, not sure about XP workstations).

 

[Slootvreter]

If you know there is not already a PC with that name on the domain, delete the computer account in AD, remove the PC from the domain and rejoin.

 

[kwaggawerner]

Server 2003 don't like a pc rename and domain join in one operation.

Rename the pc, reboot and then join the domain. It will tell you there is already such a computer account and ask if you want to use it.

The thing is, I know I can't compare Granny Smith (Small Business Server) and Golden Delicious (Standard, and up)... but, like the SBS Edition, renaming the pc, joining, and adding a user, can be done in one step, can't this be done in Standard and up? - Granted, the system does it's automatic setup and reboots a couple times... but can't a similar procedure be accomplished in standard?

Thanks for the help so far guys, but using FQDN did not help.

 

[TheGuy]

I can be done in server 2003. I've also found the problem when you create an account and the try and join the domain you get the error that your are getting. In the books they tell you to do this I don't know why. In real life I just join without creating the account first. Then just move it from the computers folder to your chosen OU.