Server 2008 joining domain

[jsnetman]

The middle link is what you have to follow. You do not perform this on the old server, you do it on the remaining server. Also there are sections which deal with what service pack you are currently at on the remaining server. Although you saying you have tried to join with a different name suggests a DNS issue, or you have not seized the roles needed. Have a look on google about how to seize roles on a 2003 based domain. If you have seized the roles and performed the meta data cleanup it will definately be DNS problems.

[jsnetman]

I would also think at the moment you would not be able to join a workstation to the domain.

[Aaron]

Guys thank you for all your help whats happened now when i changed the address for the DNS server to point to the IP of the server it has now allowed me to join the school domain.

[Aaron]

now that it has joined the domain i am able to change the name back to the old server and i am going to try and change the IP address back thanks for all your help guys

[Aaron]

everything worked great guys i was able to change back to original name and IP settings and add as a domain controller in an exsisting domain should i also select DNS server tick box if i already have the main server as the DNS does this just replicate DNS settings incase the main server should crash?

I have got the Global catalog selected but not sure about the DNS sever if my main server is already the DNS do i just untick this then

[Aaron]

because there is a working DNS server on the main server i have just set the backup server as a Global catalog server and its configuring active directory domain services at the moment really thank you for all your suggestions with getting this working again.

[jsnetman]

We have 2 domain controllers here and both have DNS. You can have one or 2, 2 being you have more redundancy if the other fails. It won't do any harm to install the second as a DNS server and is recommended.

[Aaron]

if i was going about adding another server onto the domain but not as a domain controller but talks sake to look after the antivirus and printing would i just add this server to the domain as say WCB-MM01 or something dont install active directory onto it just the antivirus and print server?

am i adding the server then as a member server i dont fully understand?