Question : Rebuild DNS on a single server network

I have a small business client that with 5 XP workstations and 1 2003 Standard Edition server.  We can no longer add workstations to the domain as we get the usual can't find the domain error.  Someone tried to add another zone in DNS and then they deleted it.  When I go into ipconfig, the DNS suffix that shows up is the new zone name eventhough it was deleleted in the DNS manager.  Is there a way to remove all record of this failed zone and get DNS back to its original state so that the workstations can join the domain again?

Answer : Rebuild DNS on a single server network

> When I go into ipconfig, the DNS suffix that shows up is the new zone name
> eventhough it was deleleted in the DNS manager.

In the DNS Suffix Search List? Or as the Primary DNS Suffix?

There are a number of ways you can set the Search List.

1. Manually under TCP/IP Properties, Advanced, DNS, and the list is there.

2. Automatically using Group Policy under Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Network, DNS Client and the policy DNS Suffix Search List.

You can check for the presence of such a policy by running rsop.msc (Resultant Set of Policy Tool) on a Windows XP or 2003 system.

3. Scripted. It's just a setting in the registry, after all. Do you run scripts at all? rsop.msc can help show things running by policy.

4. DHCP can set one Suffix, unlikely, but worth checking.

Chris