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Computing HelpDesk

Hours:
Mon-Thu: 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 3:00pm - 9:00pm
(when classes are in session)

Exceptions:
Follows JMU's schedule for inclement weather. 
Exceptions for Academic Year 2012-2013

Computing HelpDesk

Active Directory Frequently Asked Questions

Active Directory Main Page




Q: What is Active Directory?

A: Active Directory is a directory service from Microsoft. It provides the basic foundation for JMU desktop management with the following features:

 

  • Central storage and administration of configuration and policy settings. Instead of configuration settings being stored on each computer, they are stored in a central location making possible the professional administration of a large number of desktops and a more organized infrastructure.
  • Central authentication and authorization broker. Instead of each computer maintaining its own unique accounts, "domain accounts" are created which can be used at any computer to gain access to network resources and limited local resources. Instead of a mass of uncoordinated computers indiscriminately connected together through a network, the computers become portals into a more organized, managed desktop infrastructure.
  • The concept of a "domain" in which computers, accounts, groups, and other entities can be created, organized, and managed. The domain is collectively managed similar to the way multi-user host systems are managed.
  • The centralized authentication/authorization infrastructure allows privileged processes to perform privileged actions on individual desktops and central configuration databases. This functionality enables capabilities like inventory gathering, software installs and updates, and general maintenance across the installed base without having to visit each desktop.
  • File and printer sharing. The same administrative domain capabilities can be used to manage network based storage and printing. We are not currently utilizing these services.
  • The overall infrastructure allows layered services to be added providing services to domain joined computers. These services may include automated encryption key management, integrated authentication/authorization with non-desktop domain entities (e.g. web servers and firewalls), and varying levels of integration with any third party applications written to trust and work in an Active Directory environment.

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Q: How do I know if my computer is joined to the JMU Active Directory domain (JMUAD) and is being managed?

A: Currently, only Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 systems are being managed in the domain. To find out if your computer is joined to the domain, follow the steps below.


Steps for Windows Vista/Windows 7   Steps for Windows XP

For Windows Vista/Windows 7:

  1. Right-click 'Computer'.


  2. Click 'Properties'.


  3. If the Workgroup field reads ad.jmu.edu then the computer is joined to the JMUAD domain.


For Windows XP:

  1. Right-click 'My Computer'.


  2. Click 'Properties'.


  3. Click the 'Computer Name' tab. If the Domain field reads ad.jmu.edu then the computer is joined to the JMUAD domain.

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Q: How do I know if I am logged into the JMUAD domain?

A: To determine if you are logged into the JMUAD domain, follow the steps below.

For Windows XP, Vista and 7:

  1. Open the 'Start' menu and type cmd in the Search box in Vista/7 or in the Run box in XP. Press 'Enter'.

  2. In the Command Prompt window, type set user and press 'Enter'.

  3. If USERDOMAIN=JMUAD then the computer is currently logged into the JMUAD domain. You can also see what account is logged in as noted by the USERNAME (typically, this will be your JMU e-ID).

     

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Q: How do I change my Active Directory password?

A: You can change your Active Directory password by going to the Accounts Portal and changing your e-ID password.

Your Active Directory password is synchronized with your e-ID password. Changing your e-ID password will change your Active Directory password to match it.

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Q: Can I use my Active Directory (domain) account to log on and from multiple computers?

A: Currently, you can login to multiple computers and any computer that is joined to the JMUAD domain with your domain account.

You may notice that when you login to computers you do not commonly use, they will display a different desktop with icons and will not have the files that you access in the 'My Documents' folder on your primary computer. These settings and files are part of what is called a profile and they do not automatically show up on each computer to which you login--your profile does not "roam" with you. Windows creates a separate, local profile on each computer to which you login with your domain account .

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