Hey everyone. My question is about setting up a domain. I've never really set one up before. The reason i'm asking is my friend wants me to help him setup his home network. He has his entire home networked with cable going into every room. He is even going to have a server room in the basement. I think he has put xp on all his computers. Can someone give me a good description on how to do it and configure things. I'm fairly confident with my networking skills its just i've never setup a domain before. Thank you all in advance.

Question you want to ask is what/why a domain? If a domain stucture doesn't add to the home network then what's the point?

If there are only XP workstations [pro or home] you can only setup a workgroup not a domain. Only if you have the server product can you setup a domain.

My suggestion would be to go to MS's web site and research what the differences between domains and workgroups are and get the how tos on setting up both. Google search is another good way. Lots of stuff out there.

Agreed......in a home (ie: small network) environment a domain makes no sense. A simple workgroup can and will accomplish all you need with a lot less administrative overhead.

Workgroups will work fine - there is no intranet structure necessary for your friend's case.

Thanks guys i'll look into it a little more.