Windows CALs

[embj]

I'm using Windows Small Business Server 2003 on my home network. I've used it before just to host my http/dns/ftp/mail server and this weekend I got the idea to setup the client computers (4 total and all running XP Pro) on a domain. I already have the domain controller configured properly and have one computer setup using the domain. I cannot get any of my other computers to access it. When I go to http://DNS1/ConnectComputer (that's how you setup the clients to the network) it always says that it cannot retrieve the list of users from the server.

So my first guess was it had something to do with the CAL's. I'm new to setting computers up on domains so I really don't know. I picked the default licensing mode when I installed the OS and in the Server Managment it says I have 5 licenses installed but, the maximum usage is 2. So do I have to purchase any CAL's to be able to do this or what?

Thanks.

[willy_ph]

I'm guessing, but I would say yes, you need to purchase more CAL's.

Also, do you have the server setup with a CAL issued to each device, or user? I faintly remember having 2 different options when using CAL's.

[embj]

I don't know which I chose because at the time I was setting it up it really wasn't an issue. I'm not really familiar with Microsoft's licensing system so I don't know. I only have 1 server. I selected the default one that was selected during setup. Are there different types of CALs? How much would 3 CAL's cost to buy?

[blubomber]

First, i would suggest that you check to see if your licensing is setup per device or per user. you can follow this MS Knowledge base article to check that.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...97&Product=sbs

You could also try manually connecting to the domain by going onto each workstation, right click on my computer and click on the computer name tab. At the bottom you can click on the change button which will allow you to change the computer name and join it to your domain.

Also make sure that your workstations are on the same subnet as the domain. Are you using DHCP?

Windows 2000 would let you go over your licenses and allow you to add more users and devices with out blocking access. Your Event log would just get filled with license violations.