Many Active Directory problems can be caused by failed replication. As you probably know, in a mixed-mode or a Windows NT 4.0 environment, replication begins with the PDC notifying the BDCs that a change has occurred. Sometimes you just need to find out more information about objects on your network. One such command will tell you which domain that a given machine belongs to. Of course, the best way to keep your Active Directory healthy is to use a combination of all of the tools I've discussed in this article series.
Some tools are more suited to certain tasks than others.
Brien M. Posey is an MCSE who works as a freelance writer. His past experience includes working as the director of information systems for a national chain of health care facilities and as a network engineer for the Department of Defense. Because of the extremely high volume of e-mail that Brien receives, it's impossible for him to respond to every message, although he does read them all. Copyright 2001 INT Media Group, Incorporated All Rights Reserved.