[Samba] DNS Problem under Windows XP Clients

[John H Terpstra]

On Monday 23 May 2005 13:01, Paul Gienger wrote:
> >i was trying to set up a samba PDC for my small network with WindowsXP
> >and Linux clients, and when i think everything is ready, XP clients
> >complained about a missing DNS SRV record for something like
> >_ldap_tcp.xxx.xxx, so i added that DNS record to my DNS.. and another
> >error appeared: the query was successful and a SRV record was found,
> >and it points to the Samba PDC, but it also says there was an error
> >and that two things might be happening:
>
> Normally you don't need the _ dns entries (there's a few different ones
> besides _ldap) in a Samba setup, they are used by AD to locate servers
> and such.  Where are these errors coming?  Event log, pop up windows,
> etc.?  This sounds a lot like the errors you would see when you are
> setting up an AD server.
>
> --
> Paul Gienger                    Office: 701-281-1884
> Applied Engineering Inc.
> Systems Architect               Fax:    701-281-1322
> URL: www.ae-solutions.com       mailto: pgienger at ae-solutions.com


The error messages were caused by the fact that the domain name given is a 
fully qualified internet domain name, not the workgroup (NT4 domain) name.

NT4 domain names are max 15 characters long. The windows clients are assuming 
that because the domain name is a DNS name, that the Samba server should be 
an ADS DC. That is why it is making the DNS lookups for the _ldap... etc. DNS 
entries.

The correct advice to anyone who uses such workgroup names is: Read the 
documentation please - use only short (1-15 character) domain/workgroup 
names.

The book "Samba-3 by Example" demonstrates how to deploy comprehensive 
Samba-based networks". This is what is known as the Samba-Guide on the Samba 
Web sites.

The book "The Official Samba-3 HOWTO and Reference Guide" is the mechanic's 
repair guide, and provides detailed information regarding the inner workings 
of Samba. Chapter 9 "Network Browsing" provides background info that should 
help clarify the problem that was reported.

- John T.