Topic: change computername

[irian]

SME 6.0
XP workstation

Is it possible to change the computername after it joined the domain?
I did some searching but couldn't find anything.
If someone knows please help me.
I have little time to get it solved.

Martijn

[Black]

Why dont you log into the console under admin and try it? you should be able to run through the setup again and just change that part. if it doesn't work, change the name back.

[MSmith]

No, you must have the workstation leave the domain (change to any workgroup) then apply the name change and rejoin the domain with the new name.

[irian]

No, you must have the workstation leave the domain (change to any workgroup) then apply the name change and rejoin the domain with the new name.

Thanks! For your help.
I was wondering if there would be an easier way.

Martijn

[MSmith]

Four or five mouseclicks and a couple of reboots is about as easy as it's going to get, I'm afraid!

[irian]

The problem is that it's already part of the domain.
I don't use roaming profiles.
I then need to save these profile settings.

What I normally do is to create a local (test) account.
Then login as local administrator.
Copy the user/domain profile to the user/local profile.
(have to do this because after disconnect from domain I can't copy the profile anymore)
unregister from domain and make member of the workgroup.
Change the pc name and make it member of the domain again.
Make the user/domain profile again.
login as local admin
copy the usre/local profile back to user/domain.
etc.

[Tib]

If your using XP you don't need to do that ... just use the "Files & Settings Transfer Tool" under system tools.

Copies everything no probs ... I have done this a few times without loosing any settings ... and yes you can use it on the same machine.

Tib

[MSmith]

My question would be, why are you needing to do this often?  Unless of course you're naming machines after people; a Bad Idea, as people move on, computers are switched, etc.  Move to a consistent naming scheme and add your users' names to the Description field in the appropriate place in your network settings.  If your boss objects, tell him how much time (=money) it costs the company for you to have to go through the renaming/rejoining process.

[irian]

I do this often because I install SME in offices all over Europe.
Once it runs I instruct the most IT minded guy in the ofice how to do basic things.

[MSmith]

I'm sorry, I still don't understand what "SME in offices all over Europe" has to do with changing XP domain member computer names.  Or are you talking about SME machines which are member servers of your domains?  In which case, I STILL don't see why you have to do a lot of name changes.