Learn more about joining a domain

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Applies To: Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials

What is a domain?

On a computer network, a domain is a group of computers that are under the control of a server known as the “domain controller.” The domain controller helps secure access to business information by making sure that only users with the appropriate permissions can access network resources such as shared files and folders, the Internet connection, and devices such as printers.

Why join Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials to a domain?

When you join Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials to a network domain, you can:

  • Give users and groups in the domain permission to access shared folders on Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials.

  • Back up other computers in the domain to Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials.

  • Stream media such as photos, music, and videos to other computers on the network.

  • Increase the storage available to users in the domain.

  • Use Remote Web Access to access the servers and computers on a network that is based on Windows Server 2008 R2.

Note

Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials supports up to 25 users. If you join Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials to a domain that has more than 25 users, you should create a local security group on the domain controller, and then add up to 25 users that will have access to Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials to that group.

Joining Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials to a domain

To join Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials to a domain

  1. Open the Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials Dashboard.

  2. Click Server settings. The Server Settings page appears.

  3. Click Domain.

  4. On the Join a domain page, type the name of the domain that you want to join, and then click Apply.

  5. When prompted, restart the computer that is running Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials.

Warning

Do not use the System Properties page under Control Panel > System to join Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials to the domain. Doing so uninstalls the Certification Authority (CA) that Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials uses for network authentication. This results in numerous problems with server functionality.