KB Issue
Joining a domain with Windows 7 on a Windows 2003 Server DC will cause a network path not found during the attempt to join.
Issue Details
When joining a Windows 7 system to a Windows 2003 Domain DC, you will have to make sure that your network adapter has the Windows 2003 DC's IP Address listed as the first entry in the DNS settings. If not, you will receive the following error.
Network path not found
your-domain-name
Copy
Search Site
Search Google

An Active Directory Domain Controller for the domain 'xyz.com' could not be found
Recreate Issue
Windows 7 tries to join a Windows 2003 Server DC without the DC's IP Address in its Network Settings as the 1st DNS Address.
Resolve Issue
To fix this issue with Windows 7 when joining a Domain, you must add the IP Address to the Local Area Connection.
  1. Click on [Start]
  2. Right click on [Network]
  3. Choose [Properties]
  4. Click on [Local Area Connection]
  5. Click on [Properties]
    6. In the [Local Area Connection Properties] dialog
  6. Click on [Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)] or [Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)]
  7. Click on [Properties]
    8. In the [Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)] Properties dialog
  8. Click on [Advanced]
  9. Click on [DNS] tab
    10. In the [DNS Server addresses, in order of use:]
  10. Click on [Add]
  11. Type in the IP Address of your Domain Controller: Example: 192.168.2.7
  12. Click on [Add]
    13. Then click on the DC IP Address, and click on the Up Arrow to put the DC IP at the top of the list.
  13. Click [OK], then [OK] then [Close]
  14. Now, click [Start]
  15. Right-click on [Computer]
  16. Click [Properties].
    17. When the [System] Window opens
  17. Under [Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings]
  18. Click on [Change Settings]
    19. When the [System Properties] dialog opens
  19. Click on [Change]
  20. Type your domain name in the [Domain] field. Example: my-domain
  21. Click [OK]
  22. Type in your Domain [Username] and [Password]
  23. Click [OK]
    24. If everything is correct, you should receive:
  24. Welcome to the my-domain Domain
  25. Click [OK]
  26. You will then be asked to restart your computer.
  27. Click [OK]
    28. Close out of all open Dialogs and Windows
  28. Restart the Windows 7 computer.
Once the system restarts, you will see the [CTRL ALT DEL]
Press this on your keyboard. (You will have to do CTRL+ALT+DEL each time that you log on to the system from here on out, unless you set your computer to not prompt for wake.
Now, type in your Password and click [login]
If your Password is correct, you should be able to log in successfully.
This process will take a few minutes.
Once this initial login happens and sets all permissions and settings, your next login will be fast and smooth.
The areas you can navigate in Windows 7 will depend on the groups your user is a member of in the Domain, compared to before joining the Domain.