How to Add a User on the Microsoft Network

Microsoft networks use Windows server operating systems to authorize user access on the network. Regardless of the Windows version that you have, adding a Microsoft network user remains similar across all platforms. This makes it easy for network administrators to manage users, computers and hardware even after a Windows operating system upgrade. Adding a user to the network is done using the Local Policies app on the Windows machine.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows 2003 Start button and select "All Programs." Select "Administrative Tools" and then select "Domain Controller Security Policy." This opens the Local Policies editor where you can create a new user and set permissions for the network.

2. Click the "Local Policies" at the left side of the window pane. This expands more options underneath the icon.

3. Click the "User Rights Assignment" icon underneath the local policies icon. In this section, double-click "Log on as service."

4. Double-click "Add user or group" and choose "New User." In the text boxes displayed, enter a user name and password for the new user. Enter the password again in the confirmation text box to ensure that you entered it correctly the first time.

5. Click the "OK" button. This creates a new user in the list of domain accounts listed in the local policies window.

Windows Peer-to-Peer

1. Click the Windows Start button and select "Control Panel." Double-click the icon labeled "Administrative Tools." Double-click the icon within this window labeled "User Accounts."

2. Click the link labeled "Create a new Account." This opens a new window. Enter a new user name in the text box displayed. Click the "Next" button.

3. Select a user account type. The two types are "Limited" and "System Administrator." The "Limited" account removes access from some functions like installing system software. An administrator account gives the user full control of the desktop. Click the "Create an Account" button and the user is created.

Tips & Warnings

• Double-click the newly created user to set policies on the domain. If the user does not require any special permissions, then test the settings by having him log into the domain from a client computer.

• For a peer-to-peer network, add a user account password by clicking the "Change Password" in the user's account property section.

References

• My IT Forum: Adding User Rights To A Windows 2003 Domain Controller
• Microsoft: Create Windows XP User