Hello, I am new to 2000 and am looking at upgrading our network from NT4 to win2k. I don't understand why I need a DNS server, why can't I just use my ISP's DNS. I want to setup a external Stand alone server (ISA) trusted by an Internal Domain (win2k). Do I have to install Dns servers on both of them? Thanks for your help Jay

You don't need the win2K DNS, just turn it off. along with the web server and ftp server if you don't need those either.

If you have a fairly large network I'm sure your ISP will not want you using their DNS server (it takes up bandwidth, which ISPs hate to give out for free). DNS resolves host to IP names. And W2K relies heavily on it when networking so it's best if you have your own internal DNS server. Otherwise everytime a W2K workstation needs to access another workstation it runs out to your ISP's DNS server, gets the address and then runs over to the workstation. WAY too messy. Host one internally, that way you can do whatever changes are needed when they are needed on Not sure what you'd need on the Stand Alone server as far as DNS is concerned, it all depends on where it's going to be and how you are going to be connecting to it. Just some rough stuff, if you need more start a new post, or maybe someone else will chime in.....

If you are going to run a W2K Domain you are going to have to have DNS. Active Directory will not install without DNS. You'll need this DNS set up for your internal network and it will be quite separate from your ISPs DNS servers. -MW