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Adding a new computer to an Active Directory domain can be a disruptive process, particularly if that computer is part of a large, high-speed deployment. Djoin.exe is a command line tool that permits the joining of a Windows 7 or Server 2008 R2 computer to Active Directory while offline. Djoin.exe inserts the domain membership information into the Windows directory of the computer without the requirement of a reboot. Djoin.exe can be run manually from an elevated command prompt window or can be inserted into an Unnattend.xml file created on Windows System Image Manager. Since Djoin.exe does not require a network connection between the client computer and a domain controller each can be updated with the changes individually at a different time.
Offine domain join is very useful in Datacenter virtualization scenarios. When new Virtual Machines of Windows Server 2008 R2 are created they can be automatically added to the domain without any delay. Desktop virtualization with Hyper-V can require that large numbers of Windows 7 desktops be provisioned on demand. Djoin.exe can be used very effectively in a branch office site. Branch office computers can be added to a domain without contacting a domain controller in the main office. This permits branch office set up and administration without an available WAN connection to the main office.
Djoin.exe syntax is as follows:
djoin /provision /domain <domain_name> /machine <destination computer> /savefile <filename.txt> [/machineou <OU name>] [/dcname <name of domain controller>] [/reuse] [/downlevel] [/defpwd] [/nosearch] [/printblob]
The provision parameter creates the computer account in Active Directory. The machine parameter is followed by the computer name of the computer that is being joined. The downlevel parameter used with dcname the allows the selection of a domain controller that is an earlier version than Windows Server 2008 R2 for the computer account creation.
The the step-by-step guide for djoin.exe at:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/offline-domain-join-djoin-step-by-step(WS.10).aspx
Good luck!
Author: Mark Menges
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