Active Directory Domain Controller Could Not Be Contacted

The sign of “active directory domain controller could not be contacted” is not a complicated issue to resolve. Grasping the root causes and viable measures is part and parcel of making your operation back to normal. 

Here comes the well-rounded instruction for any novice. Let the Trust Guide be your guide today.

Active Directory Domain Controller Could Not Be Contacted: Root Causes & How It Looks

In this scenario, a user or administrator attempts to add a new Windows workstation or server to an existing domain. To this end, open the workstation’s System Properties, then select Change settings > Change. 

Input the computer’s new name and activate it to ensure it belongs to the current domain. After entering your AD domain FQDN name and pressing OK, a box shows up to inform you that a connection to an Active Directory Domain Controller (AD DC) for the “theitbros.com” domain failed.

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The issues may stem from several technical reasons:

• Incorrectly configured DNS: If a DNS misconfiguration on your end is to blame for this problem. The system will be back to normal simply by resetting the DNS settings.
• Errors in DNS services: This problem appears to be resolved upon service restart.

How To Fix The Problem

There are three easy solutions for you. Pick the most optimal and practice:

Solution 1: Add New DNS Configuration

Since the DNS setup is the root of the problem, resolving it should be as simple as installing a new DNS configuration that matches your domain. The first step in adding a new system is logging into that system. After that, do as detailed below:

1. You can access the Network and Sharing Center by searching it in the Control Panel search bar.
2. Select “Ethernet” before “Network” to connect to the Internet using your computer’s Ethernet port.

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3. When the new window appears, select Properties from the menu.
4. Select TCP/IPv4 from the drop-down menu to access its settings and click Properties.
5. To access the DNS tab, select Advanced and then click the corresponding tab.
6. Locate the section labeled “DNS server addresses,” then click the Add button. In this new window, enter your domain controller’s IP.
7. Close all open windows by clicking OK, then restart your computer.
8. Re-attempt domain joining.

Solution 2: Restarting DNS Service

If your DNS services are malfunctioning, you may see this warning. Fixing this problem is as simple as restarting the services. The procedure is as follows:

1. To launch Run, press the Windows Key + R.
2. Input “services.msc” and click the “Enter” button.
3. DNS Client service pops up in the list of available services.

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4. You can restart it by right-clicking on it.
5. If you’re having trouble restarting the service, open a command prompt with administration by clicking the Windows Key + X.
6. Press enter this command and select Enter: net stop dnscache.
7. If you want to restart, input: net start dnscache.
8. You can then attempt domain joining.

Pro tips: Experts recommend scanning the repositories using Restoro Repair, which can restore corrupted or missing files on a computer or portable device. 

Solution 3: Connecting using the Settings Window

If none of these solutions work, you can try connecting to the domain using a different method. Establishing a connection between your system with a domain with these 7 steps below:

1. Enter “Sign in choices” into the Cortana search bar to get this menu.
2. Make a selection in the “Access work or school” tab.
3. To join, just press the “Connect” button.
4. Select “Join this device to a local Active Directory Domain” from the new window.

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5. Put the web address in the box. Do not forget to include the.local when entering the domain name.
6. Then it will prompt you for the administrator’s username and password.
7. Restart the computer.

Pro Tips: The Restoro Repair Tool is highly recommended if none of the Methods above have fixed the problem. When a system of corruption is to blame for the trouble, this solution is usually adequate. Using Restoro also helps your computer reach peak performance. 

Final Thoughts

As stated before, multiple reasons could prevent a computer from successfully contacting, including a DNS server or a Domain Controller. 

With any luck, you’ll be able to apply the advice I’ve given you to finally join your devices to your Active Directory domain without receiving the dreaded “an Active Directory Domain Controller could not be contacted” message.

If fortune does not smile on you, apply our 3 resolutions above. Share this post with other guys as well.