Cannot Use NIS+ as Name Service

One or more of the following error messages are displayed:

!!! warning !!! trailing dot ignored - use dns domain name syntax

Error 20 from NIS+; unable to use NIS+ as name service.

These messages mean either that there is no such name in the NIS+ domain, or the NIS+ domain does not exist. Use the information below to find and solve errors in the configuration of NIS+.

Problem

The domain name for the server system ends with a period.

Verification: Enter the nisdefaults command to determine whether there are two trailing periods after the domain name.

Solution:

1. Edit the /etc/defaultdomain file by removing the trailing period (.) from the domain name.

2. Reboot your system, and rerun the dhcpconfig script.

Problem

A host name includes the domain name. For example, setting a host to myhost.Faxco.COM instead of myhost.

Verification: Enter the nisdefaults command to show a host name with the domain name included twice.

Solution:

1. If your host name is set incorrectly, enter the sys-unconfig command to remove the configuration settings and halt the system.

2. Reboot the system and supply the correct settings for host name and domain name.

Problem

The root account does not have create access to the org_dir object in the NIS+ domain.

Verification: Enter the command:

niscat -o org_dir

Solution: Use the nischmod command to change the permissions on the table.org_dir.domainname.