How to Install Active Directory
The installation of Active Directory is quite simple and should not give you a lot of trouble. First, you should download the program and then run to install it. You might know how to install active directory if you have done it before. On the other hand, if this is your first time you need to install the domain controller to your first domain. Follow some simple guidelines to help you install Active Directory.
Things Required:
– Windows CD or i386 folder copied to local hard disk
– Computer
– Internet
– An idea of the namespace to be used
– Installation of Windows Standard edition or Enterprise edition. Web edition will not work
Instructions
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1
Getting started
Sign up on the box either through console or via RDP. Go to Start Menu -> Run and write in “dcpromo”. For most of the cases you need to choose “Domain Controller for a new domain”. For other cases you should select “Domain in a new forest”. Type in the FQDN (fully qualified domain name) that you wish to use. For instance, if your domain was to be named Domain.com, you need to write Domain.com. In addition to this, you can use non existing name spaces like Domain.abc or Domain.local. After that you will be able to enter the NETBIOS name. This is generally the same name as listed above, just without the .com (.abc, .local among others). The following two screens will be where to put service folders and file repositories. Moreover, you can place the default ones as well. -
2
DNS screen
A few users might see a DNS screen asking you to configure DNS. Also, you can do this later. Choose the centre option (Install and configure). However, be aware of the fact that this will not set up DNS. Seek the permission type you will want and if you use Windows XP and Windows 2003 Server, then go with the second option. If not, then select the first option. -
3
Directory Services Restore
Select a password for directory services restore. You need to remember this password in case of emergencies. You will be presented “Summary” page listing the things you selected. Choose them carefully and Active Directory will be installed when you click “Next”. Once you start the process you cannot stop the download. This will take around half an hour. After you have downloaded Active Directory, you will have to reboot the system.
