How To Install Active Directory on your Windows Server

Installing Active Directory in your computer can be very beneficial. Active Directory was developed by Microsoft. It is used for organizing your directory and authenticating various information. It is primarily used in Windows environments. You can use Active Directory to monitor virtual machines.

Here are the steps to take in installing Active Directory on your Windows server:

1. Make sure you meet the requirements. Active Directory is operating system specific. You have to make sure that you have the correct operating system version. You must also be connected to the Internet, and have a properly configured TCP/IP. An NTFS partition with sufficient space is also required, as well as the Windows Server 2003 CD.
2. Run the DCPROMO. To do this, you must first click start, and then click Run. A small window will appear. Type “dcpromo.” The wizard for Windows will appear. Click next.
3. Operating system compatibility. The next window will state the operating system required for the Active Directory. If the operating system required by the installer matches the operating system in your computer, click next. The following window will let you choose a Domain Controller. Create a new domain in a new forest. Click next.
4. Enter the full DNS bame. The DNS name you input must be identical to your DNS zone. The name of the computer must also be the same. The computer will take its time in searching for the new DNS server. It will also check to see if there are any problems with the DNS.
5. Accept. The down-level NetBIOS domain name, database location, and log file location dialog box should be accepted. By default, the file location will be &system root%\NTDS. After clicking next, a Sysvol folder location dialog box will appear. You should accept this as well. It will be saved in %system root%SYSVOL, on an NTFS version 5.0 partition. The Sysvol folder will be responsible for storing all the created GPO and scripts. All files from the Sysvol folder will be copied to the Domain Controllers.
6. Fix your errors. At this point, any errors you might have made with the DNS server, computer name, or DNS zone will be detected. This message will appear: The Dcpromo wizard could not contact the DNS server, or it did contact it but could not find a zone with the name of the future domain. Here, you have the option to let the Dcpromo configure your settings. It will automatically install the DNS service, create the correct zone, configure the zone to accept various updates, and configure the TCP/IP settings. You can also manually configure your settings. To configure your settings automatically, click “Install and configure the DNS server.”
7. Never click Cancel. Accept the permissions compatible with Windows Server 2003. Enter the password of the administrator. You will be able to change the password through NTDSUTIL. A window with a review of your settings will appear. If you are satisfied with your settings, click next. The wizard will then install the Active Directory. After it installs, you will see a window with the final confirmation. Click finish.

It is recommended that you reboot your computer after installing. Once your computer is once again up and running, you can enjoy the benefits of Active Directory.