My Win XPpro m/c is controlled by a win2000server domain controller. Recently, it has stopped logging to the domain saying can't connect to the domain. After that, I tried deleting the computer from my network serevr and then again registering it by joining the domain from the XP PC, but it won't even connect and everytime, the final message would be "rpc server is not available". I have checked the services folder and the rpc service is always running. There si no question of any physical connection prob as the ping command is working fine and users on the ill-fated pc can browse the shared resources on the network by giving 'domainname\username'and password. and i guess this validation must be from the domain server/controller. and i am bewildered as to why it will not join the domain. pls help.. jay

Are you using DNS or the hosts file? If your using the hosts file make sure that you have the correct IP, short name, and long name in the hosts file for the 2000 box in XP.

sorry, i think i'm using the dns.. the hosts file in c:\windows\system32\.. says it is a sample file and it has only the localhost entry at 127.0.0.1.

Just try using the hosts file. IP address of the 2000 box should be first line then <tab> then the short name of your domain, example "microsoft" without "". Then <tab> and put in the long name for your domain, example "microsoft.com" without the "". Do it like the example of the 172.0.0.1. To use DNS you would of had to set that up. Try using the hosts file and if that doesn't work make sure DNS is ok. When you try logging onto the domain try the short name and the long name to see which one it will take.

If your using DNS make sure on the 2000 box that your user account or computer name for the XP box didn't get deleted or changed and that you have permissions to belong to that domain.

ok. lets go through it once again. i think i am not at all clear. 1) where do i find this hosts or dns file that the machine might be using. where can we find this 2000 box too?? 2)next if it is really using dns, what i have thoroughly checked over and over again that the tcp/ip settings of the network connection is perfect. anyways, the name of the server is also ok in the tcp/ip settings. 3)at the XP m/c, when i am setting the network identification tab of the MY COMPUTER, i ask for the computer be a part of the domain. Then the next screen asks for a user with appropriate rights for this. i put the network administrator credentials. Then it processes the querry, and after quite a bit time, the reply comes as 'rpc server not available'. jayanta.

1.Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and there you will find the hosts file. Open it up in notepad. You wrote "My Win XPpro m/c is controlled by a win2000server domain controller. " What do you mean where do I find this 2000 box? If you know its controlled by a 2000 server then you should know where its at. DNS is setup on the 2000 domain controller, hence the word "domain controller". Is this your own personal network? If so just use a workgroup. 2. If you don't have the correct permissions in DNS or host file set up your not going to be able to join the domain. Set up the hosts file and try that then try to join the domain. If your getting RPC errors then double check the services and make sure there running and make sure you can ping the 2000 DC. Go to this link and it should help you. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314861&Product=winxp