Introduction
Installing Active Directory on a Windows Server is a crucial step in creating a centralized network management system. In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Active Directory on a Windows Server.
Step 1: Prepare the Windows Server
- Before installing Active Directory, ensure that you have a Windows Server ready for configuration
- Make sure you have administrative access to the server
Step 2: Open Server Manager
- Log in to your Windows Server and open the Server Manager by clicking on the Start button, followed by Server Manager
Step 3: Add Roles and Features
- In the Server Manager, click on Add Roles and Features from the Dashboard or the Manage menu
- This will launch the Add Roles and Features Wizard
Step 4: Select Installation
- Type In the Wizard, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next
Step 5: Select the Target Server
- Choose the appropriate server on which you want to install Active Directory
- If you have multiple servers, select the desired one and click Next
Step 6: Choose Server Roles
- Scroll down and select Active Directory Domain Services from the list of available roles
- When prompted with the additional features, click Add Features and then click Next
Step 7: Review Features
- Read through the information provided on the Features page and click Next
Step 8: Confirm Role Services
- On the AD DS page, review the information about Active Directory Domain Services
- Ensure that the necessary role services are selected, such as AD DS Tools, and click Next
Step 9: Confirm Installation
- Review the summary of your selections on the Confirmation page and click Install to start the installation process
Step 10: Installation Progress
- Observe the progress of the installation on the Installation Progress page
- This may take a few minutes to complete
Step 11: Installation Complete
- Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a Installation progress page
- Ensure that the installation was successful and click Close
Step 12: Promote Server to Domain Controller
- After installing Active Directory, you need to promote the server to a domain controller
- In the Server Manager, click on the exclamation mark icon and then click Promote this server to a domain controller
Step 13: Deployment Configuration
- In the Deployment Configuration page of the Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard, select Add a new forest and provide the desired root domain name
- Click Next
Step 14: Domain Controller Options
- Configure the options for the domain controller, such as the desired domain and forest functional levels, a DSRM password, and DNS server options
- Make your selections and click Next
Step 15: Additional Options
- Specify any additional options if required and click Next
Step 16: Paths
- Review the paths for the Active Directory database, log files, and SYSVOL, or customize them if needed
- Click Next
Step 17: Review Options
- Review the configuration options you’ve selected and click Next to start the installation process
Step 18: Prerequisites Check
- The wizard will perform a prerequisites check to ensure all requirements are met
- If any issues are detected, resolve them and click Install to proceed
Step 19: Installation Progress
- Observe the progress of the installation on the Installation Progress page
- This may take some time
Step 20: Completion
- Once the installation is complete, you’ll see a summary of the installation results
- Take note of any information provided and click Finish
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Active Directory on your Windows Server. By following this step-by-step tutorial, you can now effectively manage and organize your network resources. Stay tuned for more tutorials and guides to optimize your IT infrastructure.