Windows 7 computer unable to join the domain

[Mario Cinbello]

I have recently acquired a new computer running Windows 7 Professional that I would like to add to the network. Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful in attempting it to join the local domain running Windows Server 2008R2. I?ve had no problems in doing this using the older Windows 2000 computers.

When changing from workgroup to domain, the Windows 7 computer is unable to locate the domain:

a) computer account

b) userid

Resulting in a network ?path not found? error. . I am able to ping the server from the Windows 7 computer.

My question is: What is different in Windows 7 that is preventing it from presenting itself to a domain? What setting(s) needs to be ?tweaked? to allow successful domain login? I?m using all default TCP/IP settings, similar to the Windows 2000 computer. I have disabled IPv6 in the Windows 7 computer, but the problem continues

I am stumped!

Edited December 19, 2009 by Mario Cinbello

[Dashel]

Did you also disable the TCP NetBIOS helper service? What does an nbtstat show? Can you wack wack to the server?

[Mario Cinbello]

Did you also disable the TCP NetBIOS helper service? What does an nbtstat show? Can you wack wack to the server?

Will check and reply when I'm at the site later. Shouldn't this process work right out of the box? As I said earlier, the Windows 2000 box worked right away.

[kryten]

It also depends on what version of Windows 7 is installed. Only Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate can join domains. The Starter and Home flavors won't do it.

[bowl443]

We had some issues with this and it ended up being related to client/server time issues.

Make sure the time on the client is equal to the time on your server.

[Nas]

Win 2008 R2 domains operate differently than Win2k. That being said, make sure the 2k8r2 is properly accessible throughout the network. This includes any DNS fudging -- if any settings prevent 2k8r2 from being properly routed via internal DNS, then you're clearly outta luck w/ joining clients.

Pls let us know if other WinXP or Vista or 7 clients can/cannot join the domain.

[Dan~]

Hmm it should add no problem I would have thought.

When you say you recently aquired, I'm guessing it's the RTM and not a RC, IIRC some of the RC wouldn't join to domains.

I'd check the computer name in the computer OU in AD and make sure it's not disabled, shouldn't be, but best to eliminate everything

[kryten]

So...what version is involved? Enqurirng minds want to know...

[Dan~]

It does say in the first line it's W7 Pro

[still1]

check out the firewall in windows 7. i had issues with firewall before.