win2000 server domain workgroup problems

hello all,

i am try to get familiar with active directory in win2k.....first i had problems with the DNS server it would install but when tested with a query it would fail
the test and would freeze up preventing the installation of active directory. i used a third party dns server (dns plus) and their tool to let me set the server ip to loopback 127.0.0.1.....now i can access my network (winxp) and
the internet, active directory is installed...HOWEVER in network nieghboorhood on the xp machine the win2k pc still shows with its old workgroup name and also as a pc in the new domain its in...i am allowed access to win2k (workgroup)as if it was still in the workgroup and a net view from the xp pc shows the win2k STILL in the workgroup as well as in a domain. the winxp pc is has not joined this domain and should be allowed to access but it can! any ideas where too look to correct this thanks john

John, I know this doesn't answer your question directly, but I'm concerned about your hair, spare time and, ultimately, sanity. ;) As much as you can, stay away from Active Directory on Windows 2000. If you want to play with something decent, get Windows Server 2003 instead; in this version, AD was heavily worked on, making it far more reliable and less prone to weird errors.

hi puterfixer,

i have tried writing zeros to disk then reformat/reinstall about 3 times read the event log telling me that the SID (i think) had two names associatted with it so on and so on... various installs i made sure there were no naming conflicts
now just when all that was behind me i get the domain/workgroup logon "wierd feature" sooooooooo!!! i am looking at the microsoft trial download site and getting 2003 server as suggested so we shall see
thanks
i can only say that when trying to learn something new it gets terribly frustrating when you follow directions and things fail to work..i dont know if its me or perhaps errors from a drive about to fail or what. thanks again
john

hello all,

seems win 2003 server is available for trial use free of charge
i have managed to get that up and running with only a few unprompted reboots so far..thanks again john