I have seen LDAP searches which make use of the primaryGroupID attribute. A value of 516 implies a DC, otherwise the machine is not a DC (i.e. it's a workstation or server)
An educated guess tells me that ADU&C queries for this attribute. hth, neil -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chuck Chopp Sent: 21 October 2005 14:08 To: [email protected] Subject: [ActiveDir] ADUC and domain controller vs. workstation or server When viewing the "general" tab on the properties page for a computer in the ADUC utility, the role of the computer can be listed as "domain controller" or "workstation or server". Since the Machine-Role attribute is missing on these computer objects in the AD tree, I would have to assume that ADUC derives this information from other sources. Since the role information that is displayed very quickly, even when the specified computer is offline, I would not expect that there's any sort of live communication going on where ADUC interrogates the computer to obtain the information. One remaining possibility is that the information is obtained from or inferred from the computer object's location within the domain, such as being under the "Domain Controllers" container as opposed to being in any other container or any other OU. Is this how ADUC is actually obtaining the information? Also, if the Machine-Role attribute value isn't populated by default when the computer is added to AD, then what does create this attribute and assign it a value on the computer object? I'm looking for a method to use that rapidly distinguishes between domain controllers, member servers and workstations that all have computer objects in the tree, with the desire being to eliminate workstations from a list of computer names. Making an API function call to DsRoleGetPrimaryDomainInformation() works great to determine the computer's role *IF* the computer is present on the network. If the computer is not reachable for any reason, then the API function calls spends several minutes retrying it's communications attempting to reach the RPC Server service on the specified remote system and thus the API function call doesn't return even a NAK in an acceptable period of time. -- Chuck Chopp ChuckChopp (at) rtfmcsi (dot) com http://www.rtfmcsi.com RTFM Consulting Services Inc. 864 801 2795 voice & voicemail 103 Autumn Hill Road 864 801 2774 fax Greer, SC 29651 "Racing to save lives" The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Team in Training http://www.active.com/donate/tntsc/tntscCChopp Do not send me unsolicited commercial email. List info : http://www.activedir.org/List.aspx List FAQ : http://www.activedir.org/ListFAQ.aspx List archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/activedir%40mail.activedir.org/ PLEASE READ: The information contained in this email is confidential and intended for the named recipient(s) only. If you are not an intended recipient of this email please notify the sender immediately and delete your copy from your system. You must not copy, distribute or take any further action in reliance on it. Email is not a secure method of communication and Nomura International plc ('NIplc') will not, to the extent permitted by law, accept responsibility or liability for (a) the accuracy or completeness of, or (b) the presence of any virus, worm or similar malicious or disabling code in, this message or any attachment(s) to it. If verification of this email is sought then please request a hard copy. Unless otherwise stated this email: (1) is not, and should not be treated or relied upon as, investment research; (2) contains views or opinions that are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of NIplc; (3) is intended for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell securities or related financial instruments. NIplc does not provide investment services to private customers. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England no. 1550505 VAT No. 447 2492 35. Registered Office: 1 St Martin's-le-Grand, London, EC1A 4NP. A member of the Nomura group of companies. List info : http://www.activedir.org/List.aspx List FAQ : http://www.activedir.org/ListFAQ.aspx List archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/activedir%40mail.activedir.org/
