Admin Tip #257: Use NT Server client-based administration tools to administrate NT domains

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Many NT administrators run NT server as their workstation in order to administrate their NT domains from their workstation. Others work from the console of servers in their computer rooms. I do not recommend either practice. Microsoft included server client-based admin tools which will run on NT workstation (even Win9x). If you are running Windows 2000 Professional, you can administer a Windows NT4 domain using these same client-based tools. The tools can be installed from \clients\srvtools\winnt folder on the NT4 Server CD or from the apps\clients folder on the Windows NT Workstation Resource Kit CD. The server admin tools will install into %systemroot%\system32. The admin programs are:

Tool

Executable

User Manager of Domains

usrmgr.exe

Server Manager

srvmgr.exe

System Policy Editor (NT)

poledit.exe

DHCP Manager

dhcpadmn.exe

WINS Manager

winsadmn.exe

Remote Access Administrator

rasadmin.exe

Remoteboot Manager

rplmgr.exe

Services for Macintosh

sfmreg.exe
I only logon to a server console when absolutely necessary. With these tools and a few commandline resource kit utilities, I don't need to go into the computer room and logon to a server console for routine tasks. In fact, using IPC server authenication , I logon to my workstation using my normal user account rather than an admin account.



Must have for NT advanced users



New Riders has good NT texts.



Must have for NT administrators