What is Active Directory?
Active Directory (AD) is a software environment developed by Microsoft that provides directory services, network file and print services, and identity management. When fully implemented AD will replace the Novell Networking environment and LDAP directory services. AD will allow us to consolidate a number of services and functions onto one platform. It will also allow us to provide critical services like network file share space to a larger number of users including all students. AD interoperates well with a large number of applications (such as MS Exchange, Kerberos, Windows Vista) and will position WKU going forward to deploy emerging applications and technologies more quickly in a highly secure environment.
What is the NetID?
The NetID is the unique userid assigned to each Active Directory user. All faculty, staff, and students will be assign a NetID. The NetID is a combination of letters from your first and last name plus a random 4 digit number. You should protect your NetID, keep it confidential and not share it or publish it in anyway. Your NetID will enable you to not only access Active Directory files shares but many other critical applications and services at WKU including the WKU Portal.
How do I lookup my NetID?
You must know your TopNet ID (800 number) and password to lookup your NetID. Click here to lookup your NetID. Remember to keep it confidential.
What is the benefit to WKU?
More technically current file, print and identity management environment. Personal file space accessible from anywhere for all faculty, staff and students. More security and monitoring and administrative capabilities.
What is happening?
WKU is implementing Microsoft Active Directory and replacing the Novell Network operating system. WKU will be migrating all unversity owned computer (PCs) and printers from Novell to Active Directory.
Who is affected?
All Windows and MAC users on campus will be affected. That is, all employees (Faculty and Staff) and all currently enrolled students will be affected.
What changes will I notice?
Your initial login process at machine (PC) startup will be different. Whether previously on Novell or not, you will be presented with a screen to login to Active Directory. You will use your new Active Directory ID, AKA NetID. If you had Novell files previously, you will still have access to them but they may be on a different drive letter on your machine. You will be given instructions on all these matters by the migration team.
How long will it take to migrate my computer?
Migration times will vary from 30 minutes to as long as 2 hours, depending on the complexity of your workstation configuration.
Do I have to let the Active Directory Migration Team work on my computer?
If your computer is university owned and connects to the WKU network, then your machine (PC or Laptop) must be migrated to Active Directory for inventory and control purposes.
What do I need to do?
We ask that you make yourself available for the assessment and migration, and that you attend the Active Directory information session which will be scheduled for your department.
What if I’m already on another Windows NT domain or Active Directory?
If your workstation is currently part of another Windows NT domain or Active Directory, then you need to contact the Help Desk and open a case. Your situation will be evaluated by IT personnel.
What happens to my shared folders?
Once migrated, you should still have access to all of the data currently in your Novell drive letters and folders. However, the drive letters will be different.
What should I do to confirm whether the migration was successful?
You will have the opportunity to verify and sign-off on your computer’s migration. Once your computer has been migrated, we ask that you log in and verify, in no particular order, (1) that all applications are working properly, (2) that you still have access to shared folders, and (3) that your desktop items are the same as they were before the migration. Please call the Help Desk @7000 if you have any problems signing-off on the migration.