Domain Controller Settings for Windows Authentication .

What is Active Directory?

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service that Microsoft developed for Windows domain networks and is included in most Windows Server operating systems as a set of processes and services.

An AD domain controller authenticates and authorizes all users and computers in a Windows domain type network—assigning and enforcing security policies for all computers and installing or updating software. For example, when a user logs into a computer that is part of a Windows domain, Active Directory checks the submitted password and determines whether the user is a system administrator or normal user.

Active directory/Domain settings for a computer

Pre-requisites –

1.      You are using a window 7 professional Edition (As per my knowledge it does not support Windows 7  Home Basic Edition)
2.    You have a user account on active directory.
3.       You must be connected to the domain network.

A domain is a collection of computers on a network with common rules and procedures that are administered as a unit. Each domain has a unique name. Typically, domains are used for workplace networks. To connect your computer to a domain, you'll need to know the name of the domain and have a valid user account on the domain.

1.       Open System by clicking the Start button, right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties.

2.       Under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, click Change settings.  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

3.       Click the Computer Name tab, and then click Change. Alternatively, click Network ID to use the Join a Domain or Workgroup wizard to automate the process of connecting to a domain and creating a domain user account on your computer.

4.       Under Member of, click Domain a screen appears as

Type the name of the domain that you want to join- and then click OK.

You will be asked to type your user name and password for the domain.

Once you are successfully joined to the domain, you will be prompted to restart your computer. You must restart your computer before the changes take effect.

DNS Settings needed - 

1. Click Start and then Control Panel
2. Click View network status and tasks
3. Click Change adapter settings on the left portion of the Window.
4. Double-click the icon for the Internet connection you're using. Often this will be labeled "Local Area Connection" or the name of your ISP. If you have multiple connections, make sure not to click the one with the red X.
5. Click the Properties button.
6. Click and highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
7. If not already selected, select Use the following DNS server addresses
8. Enter the new DNS addresses and then click Ok and close out of all other windows.