On a Windows 2000 computer, you need to configure the binding order of network protocols and the provider order used by Windows Sockets and other network components. Which administrative interface or tool should you use to adjust the bindings and provider order on this Windows 2000 system?

Introduction / Context:
Network communication in Windows 2000 relies on protocol stacks, adapters and service providers. Sometimes you need to control which protocol is used first, or which provider order is applied by Windows Sockets. This is done through bindings and provider order settings. Knowing where to configure these options is essential for troubleshooting multi protocol networks or resolving application connectivity issues.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The system is running Windows 2000 (Professional or Server).
• Multiple network protocols or clients may be installed.
• You need to adjust the binding order and provider order.
• You are evaluating common administrative interfaces such as Network and Dial up Connections, Windows Explorer, System and Device Manager.

Concept / Approach:
In Windows 2000, the Network and Dial up Connections folder provides access to the properties of network adapters and protocols. From its Advanced menu, you can open the Advanced Settings dialog, which allows you to configure connection priority, bindings between adapters and protocols, and the order of network providers. Other tools, such as Windows Explorer or Device Manager, handle different aspects of the system and do not expose these specific network binding settings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel and start Network and Dial up Connections.Step 2: On the Advanced menu, select Advanced Settings to display connection and binding information.Step 3: Use the Connections tab to modify the order in which network connections are accessed.Step 4: Use the Bindings tab to control which protocols, services and clients are bound to each network adapter and in what order.Step 5: Recognize that Windows Explorer is used for file management and does not manage network bindings.Step 6: Understand that the System applet and Device Manager manage hardware and drivers but not the logical binding order for protocols.Step 7: Conclude that the Network and Dial up Connections folder is the correct interface for configuring bindings and provider order.

Verification / Alternative check:
On a Windows 2000 system, if you open Device Manager, you will see hardware devices and driver settings, but no configuration for protocol binding order. Similarly, the System Control Panel displays general system information and performance options but not network binding configuration. Only Network and Dial up Connections provides the Advanced Settings dialog referred to in Microsoft documentation for managing bindings and provider order.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Windows Explorer is a file management tool and does not change low level network configuration. The System applet and Device Manager are used for hardware management and resource settings, not for determining which protocol or provider is preferred by applications. Therefore, they cannot satisfy the requirement of configuring bindings and provider order.

Common Pitfalls:
Administrators sometimes assume that all advanced configuration options are located in the System Control Panel or Device Manager, overlooking the network specific configuration under Network and Dial up Connections. Another pitfall is forgetting to adjust provider order when troubleshooting name resolution or authentication issues in multi protocol environments. Familiarity with the Advanced Settings dialog greatly simplifies these tasks.

Final Answer:
The correct tool to configure bindings and provider order on a Windows 2000 computer is the Network and Dial-up Connections folder.