JSI Tip 5417. Windows XP records Event ID 1054 in the Application event log - 'Windows cannot obtain the domain controller name for your computer network'?

Your Windows XP Application event log contains:

Event ID: 1054
Source: Userenv
Type: Error
Description: Windows cannot obtain the domain controller name for your computer network. (The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted). Group Policy processing aborted.

Your logon process may also be very slow.

The problem can be caused by having an invalid or unreachable Preferred DNS server address in the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties.

To fix this problem:

1. Use Control Panel / Network Connections to right-click Local Area Connection and press Properties.

2. Press Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and press Properties.

3. Press the Use the following DNS server addresses radial button.

4. Type a valid DNS server IP address into the Preferred DNS server text box.

5. Press OK.

NOTE: See tip 7243 for another reason for Event ID 1054.