Attempt to Join Domain Results in Message Indicating Connection Already Exists (242103)

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to join a workstation to a domain, the following error message may appear:

You already have a connection to the domain. You must disconnect before joining the domain.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if a persistent connection already exists between the workstation and the primary domain controller (PDC). A persistent connection between a workstation that does not belong to the domain and the domain controller itself is possible if you connect to a share by using a domain-authenticated user account and password.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, delete all connections to the domain by using the NET USE command at a command prompt, or use the Disconnect network drive command in Windows NT Explorer, and then join the domain by using the Network dialog box.

The following are the specific steps:

To disconnect from all network drives, type the following line at a command prompt, and then press ENTER:
NET USE * /DELETE
This command lists all the connections, and then prompts for whether the connections should be broken.
To join the domain, at the workstation to be added to the domain, double-click the Network icon in Control Panel, and then click Change.

NOTE: You must be a domain administrator to add the workstation to the domain.
Click Domain, and then type the appropriate domain name.
Click OK, and then click OK.