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.: Install and Configure Windows 2003 Active Directory

 
 

 

 

Active Directory Requirements:

  • An NTFS partition with approximately 2Gb free Space
  • An Administrator's username and password and separate Directory Services Restore Mode Password.
  • Properly configured TCP/IP network connection, with IP Address , Subnet mask and Default Gateway.
  • An operational DNS server (which can be installed on the DC itself)
  • A Domain name

 

Installing Active Directory on the first Domain Controller:

Start the install from the "Configure Your Server" wizard or by typing DCPromo from the Run prompt:

Active Directory - Configure Your Server Wizard

or

Active Directory - DCPromo from the Run prompt

Press OK

Active Directory Configure Your Server Wizard Start

Press Next

Active Directory - Preliminary Steps

Press Next

Active Directory - Wait

Wait

Active Directory - Choose Install Components

Select "Domain Controller (Active Directory) then press Next

Active Directory - Confirm Choice

Press Next

Active Directory - Starting Install

Wait

Active Directory - Install Wizard

Press Next

Active Directory - OS Compatibility

Press Next

Active Directory - Select Domain Controller Type

As this is the first DC, select the first option and press next.

Active Directory - Create New Domain

As this is a new domain in a new forest, select the first option and press next.

Active Directory - Choose Domain Name

An Active Directory domain name is different from an internet domain name and should not be seen on the internet. Any name will do but it is common practice to make the name relevant to your organisation.

Active Directory - Choose NetBIOS Domain Name

Whenever you access resources in your domain from outside the domain boundary, your will be required to enter the domain NetBIOS name for authentication. in that case make the NetBIOS name as short as possible.

Active Directory - Database and Log Folders

Leave these as their defaults unless you have a specific reason to change them. Placing them on a different NTFS partition can increase performance.

Active Directory - SYSVOL folder location

Again, dont change it unless you need to.

Active Directory - DNS

DCPromo will attempt to locate an active DNS server, in the case that it fails it will present you with the 3 options shown above. If this is the first DC and you intend to use "Active Directory Integerated" DNS then choose option 2. "Active Directory Integrated" DNS is the most secure and zone transfers are incorporated into the Active Directory Replication process. If you want to configure the DNS manually then choose option 3. If you are only going to have one DC then choose option 2.

Active Directory - Permissions

If you have upgraded from and NT domain and still use NT programs that access the Directory you may have to choose option 1, however if you are installing a new domain with only Windows 200 and 2003 domain controllers choose option 2.

Active Directory - Directory Services Restore Mode Password

This password will be used to restore active directory from a backup in case of a failure, having experienced this exact situation, i understand how important it is to never forget this password. Although you should choose a different password from the administrator password having them both the same does make it easier to rememeber it. I have never liked the idea of keeping a written copy of passwords even with encryption and so all my passwords are stored in my head. Due to this when it comes to restoring Active Directory it is a lot easier if the restore password is the same as the admin password.

Active Directory - Confirm Settings

Confirm Settings and press next.

Active Directory - Installing

Wait

Active Directory - Locate CD

The windows 2003 cd may be required.

Active Directory - Installing Files

Wait

Active Directory - All Done

All Done - Press Finish

Active Directory - Restart Server

Now or Later its up to you.

Active Directory - Complete

Once restarted the Configure Your Server Wizrd will Confim Completion, Press Finish

Now you have a new domain installed on your first domain controller. Active Directory can be accessed from the "Active Directory Users and Computers" Administrative Tools Icon or by typing dsa.msc at the run prompt.

 

     
 
 
     

 

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