What is a domain?
A domain is a logical group of network resources that usually includes computers, printers, and drives. Domain accounts are used to give or deny access to resources in the domain, such as logging in to workforce computers that are "joined" to the domain, the ability to print to specific networked printers, and access to files and folders on network drives.
CUIMC IT manages the MC (Medical Center) domain and MC accounts, used by most departments at CUIMC. There are other domains managed by other Certified IT Groups (CITGs). In general you or your IT support will need to know what domain a resource is on to provide proper access.
Look up a domain on Windows
When logging in to a Windows computer, the domain usually appears under the user name and password fields, to the right of Sign in to or Log on to.
- The domain shown will be the last one that someone was able to successfully sign in to (there may be other domains the computer can access).
- Personally owned computers almost never use a domain but use a "local" login instead. In this case the Log/Sign on to field may list the computer's "name", which can be either a random set of characters generated by Windows, or a name that was chosen and entered on the computer by its owner or user (ex: "Joe's computer").
Follow these quick steps or see more detailed instructions in Find a Windows Computer's Operating System Version (the last step to view "System Info" includes the domain).
- Look at the login window on the computer prior to entering the username and password. If already logged in:
- Windows 10 - select the start/windows flag icon in the lower left, then your account name, then Sign out
- Windows 8.1 - select your account name in the upper right, then Sign out
- There will be an area or field below the password field that reads Log on or Sign in to, with the domain name listed after.