Installing Active Directory on Windows Server

Let me throw some light on Installing Active Directory on Windows Server 2003 machine.

Prior to the installation of Active Directory, make sure that the Windows Server 2003 Operating System is working fine. Make sure the machine has proper TCP/IP configured. I have used a static IP here. Before starting to install AD on the machine, here is the snapshot of my TCP/IP configuration.

The IP Address that I have given here is 10.50.129.50 with Subnet Mask : 255.255.225.0, Default Gateway : 10.50.129.1 and Preferred DNS same as the IP Address (10.50.129.50)

Make sure the Windows Server 2003 CD is inserted in your CD Drive. (This is basically for configuring DNS. Even having i386 folder would also serve the purpose)

Now lets see the actual procedure : Go to Start -> Run -> dcpromo

This will invoke the Active Directory Installation Wizard. Now click on Next twice.

Select the option whether you want to create a new domain or you want to add a domain to the existing one. Lets select New Domain radio button.

Click on Next. Here select the option "Domain in a new forest"

Now give the domain name here.(I have chosen a name TestDemo.com). Make sure you give a domain name which is unique.

Click on Next and see what the Domain NetBIOS name is? It should also be the same name as the domain name that you have chosen.

Leave the defaults as it is and proceed.

Same here as well. Leave the defaults and proceed.

Now it will take you to DNS diagnostic screen. Select the option number 2, which states Install and Configure DNS server on this computer and set this computer to use this DNS server as the preferred DNS.

Clicking on Next will take you to Permissions Screen.

Give a password for your domain admin account.

Review the summary and you are all set to see domain creation.

Click on Next to see the DNS being written.

Now clicking on Finish will complete the wizard.

Once clicked on Finish, it will prompt for Restart and please do restart the machine and log in with the new credentials (In my case testdemo\administrator with the password stated above)

Thanks for going through the post. Have a great day.

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