Cannot Join Domain?

KB ID 0000534 

Problem

The primary cause (99.99% of the time) a client cannot connect to, or join a domain is DNS related.

cannot join domani DNS

Solution

1. To Troubleshoot you need to know the IP address of your DNS server, In many cases it’s on the first domain controller but that’s not always the case so find out (go to a WORKING client or Server) and do the following: Start > run > cmd {enter} > ipconfig /all {enter}.

cannot join domani DNS

2. Now take note of the following entries

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : <ip address of your DNS server

cannot join domani DNS

3. Go back to the PROBLEM client and ensure that it is also pointing to the same DNS server, (In the example below the problem client is pointing to 172.16.254.200 and the working on is pointing to 172.16.254.203).

cannot join domani DNS

4. To change or check IP settings on the client, Start > ncpa.cpl > locate your network card > Right click > Properties.

Note: If you have multiple network cards you might want to right click and disable any other network cards while you attempt to join the domain.

cannot join domani DNS

5. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4” > Properties > Here is our rogue DNS setting.

cannot join domani DNS

6. You can either manually change it to the correct entry,

cannot join domani DNS

7. OR, if you have a DHCP scope leasing your DNS settings simply select “Obtain DNS server address automatically” > OK > OK.

cannot join domani DNS

8. If that still does not rectify the problem go to the DNS server in question and Start > Run > Services.msc > Ensure the “DNS Server” service is running.

cannot join domani DNS

9. Make sure the problem client can “Ping” the IP address of the DNS server and the domain controller (if they are different). If this fails (times out) you have a comms problem check the network card and cabling.

cannot join domani DNS

10. Then make sure it can also “Ping” the DNS server and domain controller by name.

cannot join domani DNS

11. Then as a final check on DNS execute an “nslookup” command on the domain controllers name:

nslookup servername.domainname.domain-extension

cannot join domani DNS

12. That looks a bit healthier.

cannot join domani DNS

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

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Author: Migrated

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