Windows Server and Active Directory

[14049752]

I need some help understanding some active directory things. The last Windows server that I set up was a Windows 2000 server and things have changed a lot since then. Most of the stuff I do now for clients involves administration of an existing server, and client side work....or setting up a "server" with simple file sharing. I'm really a novice with some things that I feel like I really need to know. On top of that, I've been a bench tech for too many years..... anyway, help a guy out?


In Windows Server 2008 Standard, I have a test network set up right now....I have Active Directory Domain Services installed and running. I have XP users that log into the domain, each with their own credentials and everything... but it doesn't seem like active directory is synching, or even creating a user folder for them on the server side. Is Server 2008 Standard missing something that I need to do this?

I understand how everything is supposed to work once it's set up....I just need some pointers to see if I'm missing anything obvious in the initial setup.

 

[angry_geek]

I'll have to experiment with your setup to see if can repeat the problem. Can you email me the gpo? I can take a look to see if I see anything.

 

[14049752]

Thanks... I think I should have read up a little more before I asked for help. I don't really know how to export a gpo to send it....
I watched a few videos on youtube and read a few guides about how to set up active directory....I did everything similar to how the guide did it, with a few minor changes.

I think I'm just going to go pick up a windows server book, then come back and ask questions after reading it. I'm really sort of embarrassed that I know so little about Windows Server....

 

[angry_geek]

Don't be embarrassed. I can't remember if 2k8 has the group policy management tool built in. If not, you can download it from MS and install it. This is a great tool. In it, you can back up or export your gpos into tidy little files. Once you've done that, you can move them or send them to wherever.

 

[14049752]

I can't remember if 2k8 has the group policy management tool built in. If not, you can download it from MS and install it. This is a great tool. In it, you can back up or export your gpos into tidy little files. Once you've done that, you can move them or send them to wherever.

Yeah, it does have it built in. I couldn't figure out how to export anything, though. I was reading an instruction guide, and it said things about exporting Starter GPOs into cab files. I don't understand how the starter GPOs relate to the current configuration on my test server. When I create a starter GPO, it looks like I'm creating a new configuration template? I stopped there, because obviously I want to send the config as it is now...not after I make changes.