Hello.
Prior to imaging, we define every PC name in DHCP using an IP reservation option field 12. The name contains a campus site code and room number which identifies the geographical campus and location of each PC.
Post-imaging, and prior to Windows boot, 3rd party 'bootpq.exe' is run from a small boot partition. This extracts the PCs name from the DHCP (based on PCs current DHCP provided IP address) and writes into the local 'sysprep.inf' file prior to mini-setup. PC then boots to Windows, and, after mini-setup is complete, the PC (in a Workgroup) has it's correct name set in Windows.
On first full Windows startup, a script is set to automatically run which parses the PCs name (%computername%), extracting the site code and room number into two environmental variables. These values are then fed to the "netdom.exe" command to add the computer to matching pre-created room and site Ous in AD. E.g.:
"netdom join %COMPUTERNAME% /Domain:<FQD> /OU:OU=%ROOM%,OU=%ADSITE%,OU=Student,OU=Computers,...,DC=ac,DC=uk"
Thus, all PCs in a particular student lab are grouped together in the same room OU under the correct campus site OU.
David.
David Pentland
Senior Networks Systems Analyst
Communications and Information Technology Services
Napier University
Edinburgh
-----Original Message-----
From: Support issues for windows in UK HE & FE [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mike Collett
Sent: 04 February 2008 16:37
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: How do you join a computer to a windows domain?
Hi
One of this annoying features of windows is the inability to specify a target OU when joining a computer to a domain. Our OU are based on faculty and department. There does not seem to be an easy way to say "put the computer object here" in the computer name dialog of System Properties or Welcome Screen etc. The only method I have found is to write a script and use the JoinDomainOrWorkgroup method or use joindom.exe.
What methods do other people use to join machines to the domain?
--
Mike Collett
Senior IT Systems Specialist
Staff PC Services
Computing Services
Loughborough University
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3TU
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 1509 222331
Fax: +44 (0) 1509 223989
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