86 Install AD and check the new records on the server
To install Active Directory (AD) on a Windows Server and check the new DNS records created in the process, follow these steps:
Step 1: Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
#### For the Server
1. **Log In to the Server**:
Use an account with administrative privileges.
2. **Open Server Manager**:
Click on *Start* and select **Server Manager**.
3. **Add Roles and Features**:
Click on *Manage* in the top right corner and select **Add Roles and Features**.
4. **Role-Based or Feature-Based Installation**:
Choose *Role-based or feature-based installation* and click **Next**.
5. **Select Destination Server**:
Choose the server where you want to install AD DS and click **Next**.
6. **Select Server Roles**:
Check the box for **Active Directory Domain Services**.
A pop-up may appear to add required features; click *Add Features* and then **Next**.
7. **Features**:
You can leave the default features selected; click **Next**.
8. **Active Directory Domain Services Information**:
Review the information and click **Next**.
9. **Install**:
Click *Install* to begin the installation process. Wait for the installation to complete, then click **Close**.
Step 2: Promote the Server to a Domain Controller
1. **Open Server Manager**:
Click on the notification flag in Server Manager and select **Promote this server to a domain controller**.
2. **Deployment Configuration**:
Choose *Add a new forest* if this is the first domain. Enter the *Root domain name* (e.g., `example.com`) and click **Next**.
3. **Domain Controller Options**:
Select the appropriate options for the domain controller (e.g., **DNS server**).
Enter a *Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM)* password. Click **Next**.
4. **DNS Options**:
If prompted about DNS delegation, you can typically proceed without changes. Click **Next**.
5. **Additional Options**:
Confirm the NetBIOS name (usually derived from the domain name) and click **Next**.
6. **Paths**:
Specify the locations for the AD database, log files, and SYSVOL folder (default settings are usually fine). Click **Next**.
7. **Review Options**:
Review your selections and click **Next**.
8. **Install**:
The server will perform prerequisites checks. If everything is fine, click **Install**.
The server will reboot automatically after the installation.
Step 3: Check New DNS Records
After the server has rebooted, you can check the new DNS records that were created during the AD installation.
1. **Open DNS Manager**:
Log back into the server using the new domain credentials.
Open **Server Manager**, click on **Tools**, and select **DNS**.
2. **Expand the Domain**:
In the DNS Manager, expand *Forward Lookup Zones* and locate your domain (e.g., `example.com`).
3. **Check DNS Records**:
Click on your domain to view the DNS records. You should see various records, including:
*A (Host) records* for the domain controller.
*SRV records* for domain services (e.g., LDAP).
*NS records* indicating name servers.
4. **Verify Records**:
To ensure the records were created correctly, right-click on the domain and select **Refresh**. You can also add or modify records if needed.
Step 4: Test DNS Resolution
1. **Open Command Prompt**:
Press `Win + R`, type `cmd`, and press Enter.
2. **Test Forward Lookup**:
Use the `nslookup` command to verify that the domain is resolving correctly:
```bash
nslookup example.com
```
3. **Test Domain Controller Record**:
Check for the SRV records related to AD:
```bash
nslookup -type=SRV _ldap._tcp.example.com
```
Conclusion
You have successfully installed Active Directory Domain Services on your server and checked the new DNS records. This setup allows you to manage resources within your network effectively. If you have further questions or need assistance with specific configurations, feel free to ask!