Question : Join a Domain over VPN

Is there a way to join a domain after establishing a VPN connection to a Windows Server 2003 network? The VPN connection works fine but the remote laptop is currently a member of a workgroup. I want the computer to be a member of the domain. Can this be done without bringing the laptop onsite?

Thanks.

Answer : Join a Domain over VPN

You can do this easily. First connect to the VPN and then join the compter to the domain. When you restart, you will have the option to "Log on using dial-up networking" below the Domain field (if you don't see this option, click on "Options") on the login screen and it will show up. Type in the username and password on the domain, pick the domain name from the list under "Domain", put a check mark on the "Log on using dial-up networking" and click "OK". It will pop-up the dial-up networking window, pick the VPN you setup and click "OK", type in the username and password for the VPN and wait for it to log you into the domain. Make sure you add the domain user you used to logon to the domain to the local system Administrators group, otherwise you won't be able to do much on the system.

This is a typical scenario and should work just fine, unless there are other configuration issues.
-Thomas