Workgroup rename in Server2003

I manage the network at a very small bookstore. There is one server running Windows Server 2003 and it is offering files through SMB shares to ten Windows XP Home clients. User accounts are setup and permissions are enabled. The Windows XP Home clients log in using a batch script I wrote that requests a username/password from the user and then maps the shared folders to X:, Y:, and Z:. No clients are on the Domain and there are no SQL Servers. Active Directory is not configured.

The owner has asked me to rename the Workgroup to something else. I'm not very familiar with the more advanced workings of Server 2003 and I've tried to find information on renaming the Workgroup, but have only found information on renaming the Domain. I've looked through the documentation on changing the Domain name and saw no specific mention of "Workgroup", but when changing the Forest Description File, I see that the NetBIOS name for the Forest Root can be altered. I'm guessing that this would be the Workgroup name.

Is my assumption correct?

If so, I have a few more questions about the Domain Rename procedure:

Can the Domain rename procedure be executed locally on the Server 2003 machine?

What problems may I run into with Active Directory not configured?

Finally, I understand there is a potential risk in performing this procedure -- should I even attempt this? Changing the Workgroup name isn't absolutely critical in the owner's current situation. He was doing it as a convenience to the software techs that come in and manage his bookstore application.

Hi,

first you need to change the workgroup name on the windows 2003 server using below procedure

my computer - properties - computer name - change - workgroup


There is no potential risk in changing the workgroup name , all that you need to do is to change in the batch file on the clients which connects to the windwos 2003 shares.

i would like to give a little info about difference between hostname and netbios name

NetBIOS names is based on an older protocol and should be used within a LAN only and registers itself on that network everytime that PC is powered up or rebooted using LMHOSTS, broadcasts or WINS to provide resolution of a NetBIOS hostname to it's IP address. Thet are limited to 16 characters in length with 15 characters visible. NetBIOS names cannot be used as part of a doamin. The underscore character "_" is only used in NetBIOS names.

Hostnames TCP/IP based are resolved either with a static HOSTS file on your PC or from a DNS service. They typically are used as part of a domain. The hostname uses "-" instead of "_" as most DNS will reject this character and can be up to 255 characters in length.

please let us know if there is any confusion.

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A.Rajesh Khanna

Hi,


Changing the Workgroup name in windows 2003 is very straight forward. It can be done this way.

Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
Click the Computer Name tab, and then click Change.
Select Workgroup and change the name.

Note: Please make it sure that all the clients should also have the same workgroup name and should be on the same subnet.

1) Can the Domain rename procedure be executed locally on the Server 2003 machine.

Domain Rename is done in the Active Directory Environment ans for your network there is no Active Directory.


2) What problems may I run into with Active Directory not configured?

There will be no centralization. I mean you cannot control your network centrally and lot more things which includes security, authentication etc.


http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...Mid-market.doc

__________________
Shaalini.S
Be the Best of Whatever you are...

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply guys.

I looked under Computer Name to change the Workgroup and the Workgroup option is greyed out and the Domain field is highlighted with the current Domain name in the field.

Hi all,

That means you have already got existing Active Directory and your computers are connected to the domain and for this you have to do a domain rename.
Windows 2003 Domain Rename


http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...-Procedure.doc


Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Domain Rename Tools

Domain Rename Side Effects.
Renaming a Domain: Process and Side Effects



Thanks

__________________
Shaalini.S
Be the Best of Whatever you are...

Hi,

Well that's definately odd -- when it started the AD configuration Wizard, I clicked Cancel. When I click ActiveDirectory under Server Management, I get a 404 file not found error. Not sure why AD would be configured or how it's configured.

Hi ,

AD configuration wizard on the local server is different. Your server is connected to a domain and in order to remove from a domain , you need to connect your server to workgroup by creating a new workgroup .

If you planned for new workgroup , make sure you back up domain user backup ( such as my documents etc..)

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A.Rajesh Khanna

Hi all,

Since all workstation clients are running Windows XP Home, none of them are connected to the domain -- only the Workgroup.

It is sufficient information
Thanks guys!