How to join a domain via VPN

[crabrc]

We have a user who works remotely from home.

I would like to add his machine to our domain (as we do in the office) so that he can log in and operate as if he was here.

Can this be done easily?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

 

[JDobbsy1987]

Hi Crabrc,

Welcome to Seven Forums,

I'm sure this will depend on the permissions and configuration of the servers but in theory, if the user is connected to the VPN then you should have remote access to the machine (providing this enabled on their machine) you should then be able just add it to the domain as you would normally.

You may have to put the fully qualified domain name in but it should work, I haven't had any issues doing that.

You may need a host entry to resolve the domain name.

Regards,
JDobbsy1987

 

[crabrc]

Hi JDobbsy1987

Thank you for replying so quickly.

So am i right in thinking that a local machine in the office is required and that the remote machine
can't connect directly with the server?

Many Thanks

 

[JDobbsy1987]

The remote machine should be able connect to the servers directly.

Once added to the VPN/domain they are then on your network so they should be able to access your files shares such as:
\\<fileserver>\<sharename>\

You create a short-cut on their desktop to make it easier for them

Have you managed to add it to the domain?

Regards,
JDobbsy1987

 

[crabrc]

I did manage to connect it to the domain, and had it logged in as my user.
I was able to view all the server files etc. I was also logged in locally in the office.

When connecting to the domain, it asked me to provide a computer name.
I didn't really understand this question and put in my local machine name.
It worked, but it has made my local machine go a bit funny.

Hope that makes sense?

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[JDobbsy1987]

I'm glad you have it on the domain...

I'm not sure about the part asking for a computer name??

When adding to the domain you should have got a box asking for credentials?
You should put a username/password of someone with the permissions to add to the domain (maybe your own)

such as:
Username: 'domain\<username>'
Password: '<your password>'

This would then of added it to the domain and there wouldnt be a need for a computer in the office?

What has happened to your computer?

Regards,
JDobbsy1987

 

[crabrc]

Ok, thank you.

On my computer, the programs have disappeared from Start|Programs, so have my user customized desktop icons and shortcuts. Everything works fine, i just have to start programs using Start|Run.

Strange!

 

[JDobbsy1987]

is the other user connecting to the file server via UNC or RDP?

 

[crabrc]

I don't know i'm afraid. Whats the difference and how can i specify?

Many Thanks

 

[JDobbsy1987]

Can you try to explain how the user is connecting to the file share now?

 

[crabrc]

At the moment i believe the user is connecting via Remote Desktop.
It is my understanding that by doing it this way a local machine is required.

 

[JDobbsy1987]

At the moment i believe the user is connecting via Remote Desktop.
It is my understanding that by doing it this way a local machine is required.

OK...

The user is connecting to a machine via RDP which would effect the appearance of the desktop however it would also lock that machine out so not sure what is going on with yours sorry, hard to tell without seeing it

However, the user shouldn't need to connect to a desktop in the office if they are on the VPN/Domain.

They should be able to get to shares via UNC, try getting the user to do the following...

(You will need to provide the details where you see these marks <>)

Windows Vista or 7:
Click start >> in the search field type:
\\<server>\<Share>\

Windows XP:
Click start >> Click run >> type:
\\<server>\<Share>\
Now Click OK

This should then open that share providing they have permissions to it, if it asks for a username/password, they would need to enter their credentials.

Regards,
JDobbsy1987

 

[JDobbsy1987]

Obviously, if they are up and running and you are happy with it then feel free to carry on