Hamins

Hi, I'm setting up a Windows 2003 server as a Domain Controller, with mostly company provided laptops as client workstations. The users carry the laptops with them, when they're out of the office. We also have a few workstations. I need some suggestions on how to configure GPOs/ other settings for laptops. Are there any GPO templates available for laptops ? Is it recommended that we have seperate GPO for laptops and workstations ? Are roaming profiles recommended for laptops ? One and only one person uses the laptop given to him by the company.

They can still install certain software

Hi, We have a Windows 2003 server that acts as a domain controller. The client workstations work on Windows XP SP2. Is there anyway to prevent users from installing any type of software, irrespective of the type of installation method (setup.exe, setup.msi, install.exe etc etc). We have implemented GPOs, however, certain software can still be installed. We need a fool-proof solution. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi Club, Right now, I'm just testing the entire setup, and both the servers have Windows 2003 Std. without R2.

I'm trying to enable DFS replication from the DFS MMC, but I don't see any option to enable it. It should be in the Actions menu, but it's nowhere to be see. Any idea ?

Hi Frubsen, If there're around 40-50 computers, and if there's no database (SQL/Oracle), then I think Windows 2003 R2 Std. Edition if good enough. If the computers have different Hardware specs, and I'm not too sure if Ghosting would work. Also, I'm not too sure if Windows XP Remote Installation would work on the Domain Controller. You may need another server to run Remote INstallation Services. However, once you have installed XP, then software can be deployed via GPOs.

Thanks Memnoch/Fizban, I'll try out what you guyz've suggested. If I've got any furtehr queries, I'll get back.

We're not keen on updating to R2. Will DFS still work, with one server running R1 and the other running R2 ?

Hi Fizban, The current server has Windows 2003 R1. The new server will have Windows 2003 R2. Will DFS replication work between these 2 servers ?

Thanks memnoch, fizbans for your inputs. I think what Fizban is saying is the best soution... Fizban, I understood point number 1 & 3. I have'nt really worked with DFS, so could you please elaborate a lil more on point # 2 ? Thanks

anyone ???

Then what bout DFS replication ?

Thanks Jeff/Cluberti, I don't think I want to get into Clustering... Just want to keep things as simple as possible. Club, how can the DNS/DHCP be replicated automatically ? or, how can the load-transfer be done automatically. ie. if the Primary server goes down, can the task of DNS/DHCP server be shifted to the Additional Domain Contoller automatically ? Also, want to know if the Addtional Domain Controller can act as the primary file/print server, and can the Primary Domain Controller act as the fail-over file/print server, in the eventuality of the Additional Domain Controller going down. Another question : All the user's have Roaming Profiles. Currently, the profiles are in a share on the Primary Domain Controller. I've specified the profile paths in each user's Account properties (\\Primary Domain Controller\Profiles$\username). How do I make the roaming profiles available, even if the Primary Domain Controller goes down ?

Hi, We have a Windows 2003 sever (Xeon 3ghz, 1GB DDR-RAM, 72GB SCSI), that acts as a Domain Controller, file/print server, DHCP, DNS, authentication etc.. Basically, its the only server around, and handles everything. We have around 40 workstations, and all the data (Approx 20GB.) is centrally located on this server. I'm looking for some kinda redundancy/fail-over solution. ie. If this server fails, the entire load should get transfered to another server automatically. I know that setting up an Additional Domain Controller with take care of the redundacy for all the Active Directory Services. However, will it also act as an redundancy solution for DHCP, DNS, File/print etc ? If yes, how ? I wonder if the Addtional Domain Controller, can act as the primary File/Print server, and whether the Primary Domain Controller can act as the backup/secondary/failover/redundant file/sever. Can I take care of the file server redundacy issue, using DFS (replication) ? I hope my question(s) are'nt too confusing.

I've Installed WSUS SP1 on a Win2003 Std. Edition Domain Controller, and it works fine.

Hi, We have a Windows 2003 sever (Xeon 3ghz, 1GB DDR-RAM, 72GB SCSI), that acts as a Domain Controller, file/print server, DHCP, DNS, authentication etc.. Basically its the only server around, and handles everything. We have around 35 workstations, and all the data (Approx 20GB.) is centrally located on the server. The users are complaining of a slow network ? I'd like to know whether the sever is being over-loaded. What would be the best way to monitor the load on the server/network, and check the performance ? All the workstations are 2.6Ghz or above with 512MB RAM. Could this be a DNS issue ? How does one improve performance ? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Please ... pretty please, somebody give a solution to this .... I've tried everything you'll have suggested, but so far nothing has worked..... I need to get this solved, at the earliest .....

Hi Ctrl-X/Cluberti, I tried what Cluberti suggested. I removed a workstation off the Domain, and created a local user on that PC, and assigned that user to the Network Configuration Operator's group. It worked - The user had access to change network settings. So, yes, the problem seems to be with the Domain based Group Policies. I had this feeling even b4 I performed the above excersize. However, the question is which policy setting is causing this problem.

hmmm... I have'nt tried that. Lemme try it out on Monday, and get back. Thanks

Hi Cluberti, I don't quite understand what u're sayin .. ??

Third vote for CutePDF. Killer util!!!

Hi Ctrl-X, the user is already a part of the Network Configuration Operators group, yet the problem

I hope you can figure out what the problem is.. Do lemme know. Thanx

Wow, killer tip !!!

Hi Ctrl-X, I have attached the GP settings. Please look at it, and let me know whats wrong.