Joining a domain without internet

[breezett93]

I have set up a SBS 2003 machine, and by default through the process, I needed to specify a domain. However, for the present, I have no intention of having the server and its clients connected to the internet; only each other.

Is the domain useless without the internet? Or can I connect clients to that domain for easier sharing etc?

Thanks

 

[rgd1101]

Domain is for your local network. probably want to name it with the company name or something.

 

[boosted1g]

No you do not need internet, you do however need to setup DNS server for your local domain. You will need a router or have the widows server also setup as a DHCP server to provide internet addresses.

Once you have active directory setup (including your user accounts), dns setup, and your PCs are getting a local IP address, then you should just be able to do a domain join. Naturally you need Pro versions of OS as home version does not have domain join.

 

[boosted1g]

What is it that you are wanting the ability to do?

You do not need a windows server domain to share files, or even do file permissions.

While it is easier to manage multiple user permissions through active directory over standard windows, but for file sharing alone a windows domain server is massive overkill. Now if you need to restrict many users system permission access (more then 5) on machines and they need to be able to log into any computer with their credentials then the domain server is the way to go.

 

[breezett93]

I have already manually assigned IP addresses to the server and clients. Everything connects to a NetGear ProSafe.

Would I set the DNS on the server to match the IP of the router?

 

[boosted1g]

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/814591

For 5-e you can just set this to the IP of your router, this is for if you had an internet connection
In regards to your question I do know which field you are asking about, the Preferred DNS address though should be the same IP as the server

 

[breezett93]

I am setting up a server to host databases for data entry stations in each department of production. It is possible, even likely, that we would introduce Microsoft Dynamics in the future as well to improve production.

 

[breezett93]

Looks like the server's IP is already the preferred DNS. I must've done that already. So next would be setting up AD?