Windows Server 2003 Domain Controller

[U.N.C.L.E.]

Recently setup a Windows Server 2003 system. A software package I installed required Active Directory, so using the Server Manager, I enabled the Domain Controller function of the server.

My question is: When selecting the name (the wizard suggested it in the form xxxx.company.com) of the domain, does this name have to be a registered domain name as in the WWW?

I used "server1.the-company-name.com" and it seemed to continue on it's merry way with complaint.

Also the system is planned for a local area network.

[MxxCon]

oh man you are so lost..

internet domain name has absolutly nothing to do with NT Domain.

Active Directory is one of 2 MS's retardedly complex applications(Exchange is 2nd one).

to properly set it up you can't just "wing it". you must really know what you are doing or you'll mess things up and be in a big doodoo..

no offence but what are doing setting up active directory if you don't know the difference between internet domain and nt domain?

[+BudMan MVC]

Hmmm - I would agree that there maybe an issue with some learning still needed. Hey we all learn something everyday - but since MS has attempted to move into a real naming model that is better suited for today.

The line between what you consider a internet name and nt domain has thinned ;) As far as naming convention goes.

I am not sure I would of went with server1.company-name.com.

I am with MxxCon on this! It sounds like your doing some type of consultant work, or maybe setting up something for your dad/buddies company? If whatever software your setting up requires an AD - please do some research, you can not expect to just click through the wizards and expect to have a functioning AD that will not have problems in the near future.

Yes you may be able to get stuff to work - but without a good understanding of what your actually doing with the setup, you could be setting yourself up for a FALL. Or atleast quite a few late nights ;) Don't dig yourself into a hole that is a real pain to get out of - please get up to speed before clicking your way through the wizards. You'll thank us later!

[murr]

to answer you question U.N.C.L.E., yes you can use an internet domain name for you local domain. if there is a website on the internet with the same domain name you won't be able to access it without entering a cname record in your local dns. but i don't really know if you need to address that just yet. anyways, keep it up. you'll get there.