Windows Server 2003 - LDP Support Tool Utility Tutorial

Windows Server 2003 - LDP Support Tool Utility

LDP is the forgotten tool in the Windows Server 2003 toolkit.  Here on this page is a step-by-step tutorial for getting started with LDP.  In my opinion, it should be called not LDP but LDAP, as that's what it configures.  Perhaps LDP is overlooked because it's so hard to get going, I will reveal the secrets of how you search for Active Directory information with this Microsoft utility.

Tutorial Topics for LDP

• Getting Started
• Example of LDP
• Free Download of LDP
• Summary of LDP

Getting Started with Microsoft's LDP

Installing LDP is easy.  From the CD \support\tools, double click suptools.msi.  Alternatively, here is a free download of Microsoft's LDP. There are a number of ways of executing ldp.exe, to begin with, let us call for the Run dialog box and type ldp.

Scenario: We wish to view our domain and check on users whose first name begins with 'a'.

The more choices a program gives, the more difficult it is for a beginner to get started.  In the case of LDP, you have to perform three operations in sequence before you can start.

1) Click on the Connection menu, then Connect, select your server name.  Being an LDAP program, leave the port on 389.  You don't want Connectionless, therefore leave the default setting.  No tick in the Connectionless box.  No need for SSL either.

2) Next we need to Bind, which is rather like logging on.  Even though you would expect that LDP would use the credentials of the logged on user, it does not always work that way.  So just Bind with an Administrator's name and password.

3) Click View and select Tree; what you see is a box waiting for baseDN (Distinguished Name).

Now we come to the crucial step.  The text books say type, DC=yourdomain,DC=com.  The problem comes if you are unsure of your domain name.  For instance, does it have an extension of .com?  Guy says just try pressing OK without entering anything at all in the box.

If it truly is your intention to connect to a domain, then do not use the drop-down menu and select, DC=ForestDnsZones,DC=domain,DC=com, that just does not work for me.

4) What I hope you will see in the left hand LDP panel is a structure that reminds you of Active Directory Users and Computers.

5) Now you have done all the hard work.  It's time for the first LDAP query.  Click on the Browse menu, and select Search.  Leave the Base Dn: dialog entry as it is, in the Filter box type (givenName=a*).  If you remember our brief was to find all users whose first name begins with 'A'.  If that produces no results, try (cn=a*).  CN means common name, and surely there will be an administrators' account in the domain?

6) The fruits of all your LDP efforts should now appear in the right hand menu.  The fact that the latest entries are at the bottom rather than the top, takes a little getting used to, so be prepared to scroll down.

Active Directory Training.  As an MCT trainer, I can thoroughly recommend TrainSignal because they provide practical hands on training.  In particular, I like the way that TrainSignal cover all learning methods, instructor lead, video and of course text material.  You can either take one module, for example Active Directory or go for a combination of modules.  See more about Active Directory training

Here is an example of an LDP printout.

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Guy recommends: The SolarWinds ipMonitor

My attraction to ipMonitor is because it inhabits that zone of part work, part play; Guy just could not put the dashboard away.  This excellent performance monitor will get you started in the quest to remove bottlenecks on your network.  SolarWinds provides this fully-functioning product free for 21 days.  So download and install ipMonitor, then start scrutinizing your computers CPU, memory and disk performance.  You can also select from zillions more performance counters such as fan temperature and battery level. 

Installing ipMonitor is a breeze, but learn from gung-ho Guy's mistake and install SNMP on each computer that you wish to monitor.  What sealed my unreserved recommendation of SolarWinds is their support team, you will get expert help even when you are evaluating the ipMonitor. One last point, SolarWinds are offering a 40% discount until Sept 26th.

Download SolarWinds ipMonitor (21 days eval)

Summary of LDP

Microsoft's LDP is a tricky program to get started.  This page gives you a step-by-step tutorial to create LDAP queries against a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory.  Get your copy of LDP from the Windows Server 2003 Support Tools.

Download LDP

• LDP Free Download

See Also

● ADSI Edit   ● ADSI More Examples   ● ADModify   ● LDP   ● Replmon   ● Performance Monitor Tool

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