Server Manager Shows PDC and BDC as Workstations with Samba Linux Server in Network (250263)

SYMPTOMS

When you have a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0-based network that includes a primary domain controller (PDC), several backup domain controllers (BDCs), and a Samba Linux server, the PDC and one of the BDCs may appear as workstations in Server Manager.

When you run the net accounts command on each computer, each has the correct server role. However, when you run the net accounts /sync command, the following information appears in the event log:

There are currently no logon servers available

When you try to add accounts, promote a BDC, or synchronize in Server Manager, you receive the following error message:

The tag is invalid.

Also, when you attempt to start the Netlogon service, you receive the following error message:

Error 3097 - A Primary Domain Controller is already running for this domain.

CAUSE

This issue occurs when you add a Samba server that is configured as PDC to an existing Windows NT domain. However, Windows NT networking does not allow more than on PDC per domain.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, disable the domain controller functionality on the Samba server. You can accomplish this by changing the following values in the Samba configuration file (Smb.conf):

domain master = no preferred master = no domain logons = no

For additional information, refer to the product documentation or to the manufacturer's Web site (http://www.samba.org).

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MORE INFORMATION

Samba is a third-party implementation of the SMB networking protocol used by Windows NT.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.