How to Put a Windows XP 64 Bit Client PC on a Windows Domain

Managing network hosts through Active Directory decreases the network administrative burden.

The Microsoft Windows XP 64 bit version of the operating system features the same network connectivity abilities as the original 32 bit version. If the Windows XP 64 bit computer will be managed within a Microsoft Active Directory, the computer must first be added to the Active Directory domain. Use the domain and workgroup configuration utility included with Windows XP to join the computer to an Active Directory domain.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP 64 bit computer connected to an Active Directory network
• Active Directory domain name
• Administrator account for the Active Directory domain
• Administrator account for Windows XP 64 bit computer

Instructions

1. Log in to the Windows XP 64 bit computer using the credentials of an account that has Administrator permissions on the computer.

2. Click the "Start" button on the PC desktop of the Windows XP 64 bit computer and then right-click "My Computer." Click "Properties" in the menu that appears.

3. Click the "Computer Name" tab and then click the "Change" button.

4. Type a name for the computer in the "Computer description" box that is compliant with the policies for the Active Directory domain. Reboot the computer.

5. Log in to the Windows XP 64 bit computer using the credentials of an account that has Administrator permissions on the computer.

6. Click the "Start" button on the PC desktop of the Windows XP 64 bit computer then right-click "My Computer" and click "Properties." Click the "Change" button.

7. Click the "Domain" radio button in the "Member of" area of the "Computer Name Changes" window. Type the name of the domain to which the computer will be associated. Click the "OK" button.

8. Type the user name and password of a domain Administrator account that has permission to add computers to the domain into the "User name" box and the "Password" box when prompted. Click the "OK" button. Reboot the computer.

References

• Petri IT Knowledgebase: Joining a Domain in Windows XP Pro