Active Directory testing on Windows XP Home (With Groups, new users, etc)

Question

I am working on a project for a client at home. I use Windows XP Home edition as my main development (at home).

The client needs some Active Directory projects that require setting up new users, new groups, editing users, etc. However, I can't seem to get a test environment setup for testing.

I am running VirtualBox and in the past, I had a trial version of Windows Server 2003. But all I can seem to find now is 2008 and none of the images seem to work with my machine.

Is there a better way for me work with AD? The project isn't going to pay enough to justify buying 2003/2008.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I believe that XP home does not offer Active Directory Integration. You need to use XP Pro

Answer 2

Working with AD, you have a few options: - Virtual Windows Server Edition (2003/2008/2008R2) - Linux with Samba Installed (Suse/Fedora - what I usually work with)

It really depends what you mean by 'working with AD' - to be sure, the best (supported) experience is going to be a virtual image with the server.

If you need a separate computer to act as the client, you'll need another virtual image with XP Pro to join to that domain, because home doesn't join a domain (for sure).

Answer 3

You don't need to buy anything, the trial virtual machines you can get from Microsoft will work fine.

There is a trick for getting the VMs to work in Virtual Box though. Basically you have to use Virtual PC's VHD wizard utility to compact the HyperV VHD. Then you can create a new VM in Virtual Box using this disk.

Answer 4

I'm not entirely sure if it will work on XP Home, but Microsoft has ADAM, or Active Directory Application Mode, which is sort of a non-server version of AD for applications to use...

The download seems to suggest that Home edition will work.

ADAM Download