How to install Active Directory on Windows Server 2008 R2

A properly configured and available DNS server. This can be installed locally on the DC, and will be the case with this installation scenario.

·         W2K8 can properly install and configure DNS during the AD installation if it knows that DNS is to be local.

·         This is accomplished by having the Private network adapter’s Preferred DNS server address point to the already assigned IP address of the same Private network adapter.

To do this, select View Network Connections within the Server Summary of Server Manager.

Right click on the Private adapter and select Properties. Or Double click the Private adapter and select Properties.

Double click Internet Protocol Version 4, or select it and click Properties.

Now copy your assigned IP address: displayed in the top box into the Preferred DNS server: box and click “OK”.

Now click OK again for the private Properties and close the Network Connection window.

3. The last step for prepping W2K8 for AD is adding the proper Server Role.

·         New to W2K8 is the ability to configure the server to perform specific roles.. The “Active Directory Domain Services” Role will be added. This only installs the framework for W2K8 to become a DC and run AD. It does not promote the server to DC or install AD.

To add the “Active Directory Domain Services” Role click on the Role Directory within Server Manager and select Add Roles in the Roles Summary.

Click Next at the “Before You Begin” section.

Now simply check mark Active Directory Domain Services and click “Next” twice, “Install” and finally “Close” when complete.

Installation of Active Directory Domain Services (DCPROMO)

Now that the Server has been prepared the installation of AD we can proceed. You now have three different ways we can begin the installation.

1. Within Server Manager, if you expand the Roles directory you will see the Active Directory Domain Services directory. Select that and you will find in the Summary “Run the Active Directory Domain Services Installation Wizard (dcpromo.exe)” Simply click that to begin the installation.

        2. The command line equivalent to Active Directory Domain Services Installation Wizard                 is -Servermanagercmd.exe –I ADDS-Domain-Controller

        3. The last and probably the most recognized method is typing DCPROMO.exe at the             command prompt.

            OR

Run dcpromo in run command

Whichever way you choose, You should get to this point. Simply click Next. You do not check advanced mode.

Click Next again.