Switching a System between Domains

It is sometimes required to move a Windows 2000 system from one domain to another. For example, you might have 2 different networks, such as a small Windows 2000 only experimental network, and a larger Windows 4.0 based production network. You may wish sometimes to move a computer from one to another. Your networks might have different TCP/IP settings. DHCP might be used in Windows 4.0 network while Windows 2000 network is using 192.168.x.x addresses. This little section describes how to do it.

To move a Windows 2000 Workstation from a Windows 2000 domain to a Windows 4.0 domain:

• Switch network cables as necessary.
• Go to Start - Settings - Network and Dial-up Connections - Local Area Connection.
• Click on Properties, then double-click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
• Select "Obtain an IP address automatically", "Obtain DNS server address automatically", and then click on the OK button. This sets up properties for TCP/IP protocol.
• Go to Start - Settings - Control Panel.
• Select System - Network Identification - Properties.
• Change domain name. Provide domain administrator user name and password. Wait and reboot when the system asks.

To move a Windows 2000 Workstation from a Windows 4.0 domain to a Windows 2000 domain:

• Switch network cables as necessary.
• Go to Start - Settings - Network and Dial-up Connections - Local Area Connection.
• Click on Properties, then double-click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
• Select "Use the following IP address:", provide an address for a preferred DNS server (192.168.2.1 in my case, this is the IP address of your Windows 2000 domain controller), and a subnet mask (255.255.255.0 in my case).
• Select "Use the following DNS server addresses:", provide an address (192.168.2.10 in my case). Click on the OK button. This sets up properties for TCP/IP protocol.
• Go to Start - Settings - Control Panel.
• Select System - Network Identification - Properties.
• Change domain name. Provide domain administrator user name and password. Wait and reboot when the system asks.