Switching from "domain" to peer-to-peer workgroup

[Guest]

We have new people in our suite of offices who previously had a dedicated
server and a "domain". They have upgraded the operating system on most of
their computers to Windows XP Pro, and used them in that network. Now they
are here we are trying to set up a Windows XP Pro peer-to-peer network.
However, these machines don't seem to have a Network Setup Wizard, nor does
the list of Network Tasks include an icon for Set Up a Home or Office
Network. Likewise, the clicking on the Users icon in Control Panel gives me
a different looking window than I get on my own computer which has never been
part of a "domain".

Is there a way to (a) persuade the computers they are NOT part of a domain,
and (b) get them to allow me to set up a peer-to-peer LAN?

 

[Chuck]

We have new people in our suite of offices who previously had a dedicated
server and a "domain". They have upgraded the operating system on most of
their computers to Windows XP Pro, and used them in that network. Now they
are here we are trying to set up a Windows XP Pro peer-to-peer network.
However, these machines don't seem to have a Network Setup Wizard, nor does
the list of Network Tasks include an icon for Set Up a Home or Office
Network. Likewise, the clicking on the Users icon in Control Panel gives me
a different looking window than I get on my own computer which has never been
part of a "domain".

Is there a way to (a) persuade the computers they are NOT part of a domain,
and (b) get them to allow me to set up a peer-to-peer LAN?

Kurt,

If you login as a local administrator, you can go into System Properties -
Computer Name, and join the computers to a workgroup. Once that's done, you'll
be able to run the Network Setup Wizard, if you like. But you will need a local
admin login.

 

[Admiral Q]

: On Wed, 28 Jun 2006 14:12:02 -0700, Kurt
:
: >We have new people in our suite of offices who previously had a
dedicated
: >server and a "domain". They have upgraded the operating system
on most of
: >their computers to Windows XP Pro, and used them in that network.
Now they
: >are here we are trying to set up a Windows XP Pro peer-to-peer
network.
: >However, these machines don't seem to have a Network Setup
Wizard, nor does
: >the list of Network Tasks include an icon for Set Up a Home or
Office
: >Network. Likewise, the clicking on the Users icon in Control
Panel gives me
: >a different looking window than I get on my own computer which
has never been
: >part of a "domain".
: >
: >Is there a way to (a) persuade the computers they are NOT part of
a domain,
: >and (b) get them to allow me to set up a peer-to-peer LAN?
:
: Kurt,
:
: If you login as a local administrator, you can go into System
Properties -
: Computer Name, and join the computers to a workgroup. Once that's
done, you'll
: be able to run the Network Setup Wizard, if you like. But you
will need a local
: admin login.
:
: --
: Cheers,
: Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
: http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
: Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from
experience.
: My email is AT DOT
: actual address pchuck mvps org.

Beware, it you change the computer from being a member of a domain
to a workgroud, you effectively remove that computer from the
domain, and any/all cached domain profiles/credentials are no longer
valid without them being rejoined to the domain. A computer part of
a domain can work and access resources on a workgroup without having
to remove it from the domain.

--


Star Fleet Admiral Q @ your service!

Google is your friend!
http://www.google.com

 

[Chuck]

: On Wed, 28 Jun 2006 14:12:02 -0700, Kurt
:
: >We have new people in our suite of offices who previously had a
dedicated
: >server and a "domain". They have upgraded the operating system
on most of
: >their computers to Windows XP Pro, and used them in that network.
Now they
: >are here we are trying to set up a Windows XP Pro peer-to-peer
network.
: >However, these machines don't seem to have a Network Setup
Wizard, nor does
: >the list of Network Tasks include an icon for Set Up a Home or
Office
: >Network. Likewise, the clicking on the Users icon in Control
Panel gives me
: >a different looking window than I get on my own computer which
has never been
: >part of a "domain".
: >
: >Is there a way to (a) persuade the computers they are NOT part of
a domain,
: >and (b) get them to allow me to set up a peer-to-peer LAN?
:
: Kurt,
:
: If you login as a local administrator, you can go into System
Properties -
: Computer Name, and join the computers to a workgroup. Once that's
done, you'll
: be able to run the Network Setup Wizard, if you like. But you
will need a local
: admin login.

Beware, it you change the computer from being a member of a domain
to a workgroud, you effectively remove that computer from the
domain, and any/all cached domain profiles/credentials are no longer
valid without them being rejoined to the domain. A computer part of
a domain can work and access resources on a workgroup without having
to remove it from the domain.

That's a good point. I was hoping that "previously had a dedicated
server and a "domain"" means that the domain does not exist any more. That is,
however, a step backwards. Maybe the OP will comment here.