Cannot Find DC with Multiple Installations on Single Computer

 Last reviewed: May 15, 1997
Article ID: Q114419

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT version 3.5

SYMPTOMS

After you have installed multiple configurations of Windows NT on a single computer using the same machine name for each installation, when you start Windows NT, it cannot find the domain controller.

CAUSE

When you run multiple installations of Windows NT on a single computer using the same machine name for each installation, one of these instances can modify the secure channel account password. This keeps the other instances from re-establishing communications with the domain controller.

WORKAROUND

WARNING: Using the Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system- wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of the Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

To prevent this, set this registry key: 

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\NetLogon\Parameters
to this value: 

   DisablePasswordChange = [REG_DWORD] 0x01
- or -

use different machine names for each installation.

Additional query words: prodnt
Keywords : kbsetup ntsetup
Version : 3.5
Platform : WINDOWS

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Last reviewed: May 15, 1997
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