Joining a computer to Active Directory (Windows Vista)
From ctowiki
In order to use certain resources on campus, your computer must be joined to WSU's Active Directory. This allows you to log in to your Windows Vista computer with your Network ID and password. This tutorial details how to join your computer to the Active Directory (or AD) domain.
Contents |
Before You Begin!
- Please note: Only computers running Windows Vista Business or Ultimate can be joined to Active Directory. Computers with Vista Home Basic or Home Premium lack the capability to join Active Directory. If you are a WSU student and need a copy of Windows Vista Business, you can download one for free from MSDNAA.
- If your computer is WSU-owned, please talk to your system administrator. These instructions are only for student owned computers that are used in campus offices.
- Make sure you know the username and password for the local administrator account on the computer before you begin.
- If this computer is a laptop, and you would like to authenticate using WSUNexus wireless, please follow the tutorial Setting up a VPN dialer for Windows Vista to install a VPN client before beginning.
Joining a Computer
Finding Your Computer Name
 | To add your computer to the AD domain, you must first change the computer’s name to match the WSU conventions. Click on the Start Button, and on Control Panel. |
| In the Control Panel search box (in the upper right) type Computer Name and press Enter. This will search the Control Panel for the tool you requested. |
 | Once the search is complete, click on "Rename This Computer" |
 | At this point, we will only be changing the computer name. WSU asks that your computer be named stu-networkid. If your network ID is too long, you can remove the stu- and just name your computer with your network ID (names cannot be longer than 15 characters). Click OK to change the name, and reset the computer when it prompts you. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO JOIN THE AD DOMAIN PROPERLY UNLESS YOU RESTART YOUR COMPUTER! |
Precreating the Computer
In order for a computer to be joined to AD, an entry for it must be precreated. To have an entry precreated, send an email to Mark Zocher with your name, department affiliation, network ID, and the name of your computer.