Joining a domain

Question

I have an Inspiron E1705 with Windows XP Media Center. What I want to do is create a network with Windows Server 2003 and use the laptop and a client. But, in the System>Computer Name tab where you click on the button to change the computer name, then select the button to join a domain, the button is not available.   How do I join Windows XP Media Center to a Window Server Domain. Is this possible?

volcano11 · Answer

Windows Media Center is Windows XP Pro with the advanced networking features disabled. Since you need the advanced networking features to join a domain, you will have to dump Media Center and get Windows XP Pro.

Steve

NemesisDB · Answer

note as well that the upgrade edition of XP Pro will not accept MCE as a valid upgrade path -- so you're out the cost of the full version. i just love MS sometimes

NemesisDB · Answer

it annoyed me as well.  best of luck.

cmerise · Answer

You know that's just a shame. Why in the world would they do that. Well, thank you very much for the information.

jmwills · Answer

Actually it can join a Domain with a Registry Tweak.

cmerise · Answer

How is it done? Will it be difficult?

jmwills · Answer

Google and it is moderately difficult.

cmerise · Answer

Thanks, I found the instructions. I seems very involved.

NemesisDB · Answer

seems like a lot of sites with that info have been taken down by the man.  on another note, one mentioned that you could join a domain during the setup process for MCE?

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Joining a domain

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