Windows 7 - can not join a domain XP does
We purchased a new computer with windows 7 home. We updated it to windows 7 professional because it is on a domain. We can not join the domain. We have added 13 windows xp computers to this domain. Can anyone help?
July 27th, 2011 2:37pm

What happens when you try to join the domain? Do you get an error message?If you found this post helpful, please give it a "Helpful" vote. If it answered your question, remember to mark it as an "Answer".
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July 27th, 2011 2:57pm

Yes we get an error message. I'm not in front of the computer right now. I viewed a related topic and it seems that a few other people have my issue. I have a Windows 2003 server. The related topic said that there are workarounds but don't tell you what they are.John Sgro
July 27th, 2011 4:03pm

Did the error say something about it not being able to locate a Domain Controller? This is because XP can use NetBIOS to locate the DC and join the domain but Windows 7 relies almost exclusively on DNS. If this is the issue then you have two possible solutions: The best solution is to set up one of your DCs to handle your internal DNS (while you're at it you might want to set it up for DHCP too.) It's not difficult to do and will save you some aggravation in the future. The second option is to make an entry for your DC in the Windows 7 machine's HOSTS file. Best practice in this case would also say to make an entry for the Windows 7 machine the the DC's HOSTS file as well. This would require that the Windows 7 machine have a static address. Either option requires that the DC have a static address - which it should anyway.
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July 27th, 2011 8:39pm

Hi John, I see you've marked the question as answered. Have you solved the problem? If not, please post the error message here.If you found this post helpful, please give it a "Helpful" vote. If it answered your question, remember to mark it as an "Answer".
July 28th, 2011 3:54am

Hi, As Bigteddy says, if you have not resolved this problem, please post the exact error message here. Meantime, please try to specify the FQDN in the dialog for a test. Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. ”
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July 28th, 2011 5:47am

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