Problems connecting workstation to PDC

PDC is running server 2003
Workstations all running XP with service pack 2 or 3. Problem workstation has 3.

I was recently working on a workstation in a doctor's office in this office their are 3 workstations all connecting to a 2003 server, Primary domain server. I was updating the virus software on the workstation. During the installation the computer seemed to freeze, the task bar for the installation had not moved, and when I attempted to look at the task manager It never came up after 4-5 minute wait. So I ended up turning the PC off, and rebooting however once loaded to windows it said attempting to setup network settings, then said preparing computer settings the hour glass appears for a few seconds then nothing it simply sits like this forever, I let it sit for up to 30 minutes.

If I unplug network cable I get the box to login, asking for user name and password. I loaded in safemode with network support I was able to login to the domain server using my administrator password.

I have booted of XP CD and run repair on the workstation. However the same problem occurs it never gives a login window and sits with preparing computer settings on the screen. I believe the issue is on the domain server side, but I do not have extensive experience with domain servers, by doing the hard reboot on the PC what did I mess up on the domain side.

I have tried to delete the computer and readd it, however it states I need to go into the active directory and do this manually, but I do not see the specific computer in active directory.

 

I would keep trying what you're attempting here, to remove the computer from the domain and rejoin. There are two parts to the process when things go awry.

First is to disjoin the computer from the domain locally. You don't need the server for this, simply go into the workstation's system properties (Windows key + pause/break), and join the computer to a dummy workgroup on the 'Computer Name' tab.

Then, I would make sure no traces of the computer account remained in Active Directory Users and Computers. It is possible that it has been removed already, but I'm thinking it's more likely that it has not. Have you tried performing a search for the hostname on the root container? Sometimes the GC can become a mess of OUs, with accounts defaulting to some folders, and getting moved manually to others.

And it sounds like you know how to re-add the computer to the domain, so I'll hold off posting those steps until you say.

 

After you are done....you must reapply SP3 to the workstation. Your repair may have replaced some SP3 modules with pre-sp3 unless your repair CD was slipstreamed with SP3.

 

Thanks for the replies,

Just thought I would add this, I need to drive in to Wash. DC to access the computers. But last time I was at the office, I did attempt what switching to workgroup, I had to unplug network cable and then log in as administrator on the computer. After which I changed over to a workgroup I had made for the office. I then replugged in network cable and rebooted, I then got a proper login window, however once I was in windows I got an hourglass and it stayed there for 10-15 minutes. I finally rebooted. This was all done when the original problem occurred in my attempt to fix the problem.

Since then I had my cousin run repair from the CD, and thank's for pointing out about having to add sp3 again.

I am a little less clear about removing things from the domain server. I went under advanced options active directory, had 2 options I could go down further in, most were empty. I would give a better write up of what I did but I am not infront of the server, and it has been over a week. I did not want to go back in until I had an idea what to do to resolve this.

The name of the computer is front2, how would I go about searching active directory for it? I was certified in microsoft in 2000 for NT 4, and I have an A+ cert. but I have very little expierence in the field working on servers.


Thanks again for any help