Hello: trying but unable to do: -w7pro to connect (cat 5e not wireless) to my home C/S w2K network, so that I can access files at a wXPproSp3 pc. I can connect to that same XPproSP3 PC from another XPproSP3 PC, and from my OS X.5 mac (using smb). I can connect from the w7 laptop to a shared directory on the server. I am not able to: -rename the computer name. It is now known as 7laptop.The domain name is not the full domain such as xxx.yyy.gov. What the laptop calls itself is "7laptop.xxx" What if I was able to eliminate the xxx, would that simplify/fix the problem? (But, I can't seem to get rid of the .xxx portion, either.) -not able to join the. The laptop is part of the "workgroup" called "workgroup", but try as I might, I cannot seem to add it to the proper domain here in our home again as an example (not the true domain) "xxx.yyy.gov". I keep getting "the active directory domain controller for the domain ("xxx.yyy.gov") could not be contacted". So I can't change the computer name, nor join the domain, until I'm able to join the domain, a circular issue. There is only 1 domain controller, the w2K server, & everything seems fine there. Advice? Thank you.

Hi, According to your description, I suggest to perform these tests to troubleshoot the issue: 1 Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP 2 change the NTLM authentication level in Windows 7. Network security: LAN Manager authentication level Please change the NTLM authentication level to “Send LM & NTLM - use NTLMv2 session security if negotiated”. 3 On Windows 2000 Server: go to start, run, type gpedit.msc and click ok. Under computer comfiguration, windows settings, security setting, local policies, security options. Look for LAN Manager Authentication Level. Set it to SEND LM & NTLM - use NTLMv2 session security if negociated. Click OK. Then run these commands : secedit /refreshpolicy user_policy secedit /refreshpolicy machine_policy 4 Check DNS settings. You can set DNS settings with IPv4, configure “Use the following DNS server addresses” on Windows 7 to the IP of domain DNS server. Also disable IPv6 Hope that helps. Regards, Leo HuangPlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.