Set up domain controller - how it works

Domain controllers are used for central authentication of users, especially in company and school networks. This practical tip shows you how to set up a domain controller.

Setting up a domain controller: Preparing for the server

Before you start with the actual installation, you should first make sure that your server fulfills the following points.

• A DNS suffix and name have already been set for the server. (If not: Enter [⊞] + [R] and "sysdm.cpl".)
• The server has a static IP address.
• The operating system is up to date.

Install Active Directory

Then start the Server Manager, click on "Manage" and on "Add roles and features".

• Now click on the installation wizard. Use a "role-based or feature-based installation".
• Select your server for the target server and install the "Active Directory Domain Services" for the "Server roles".
• You do not have to install additional features. Continue clicking through the installation window until domain services have been installed.

Set up domain controller

After Active Directory has been successfully installed, click on the flag in Server Manager and on "Promote server to a domain controller".

• In the Deployment Configuration window, create a "new forest" and continue to enter the root domain name.
• In the "Domain controller options" area, you can now select the functional levels and other domain controller functions. You must also enter a recovery password here.
• You do not need to set up DNS delegation for the DNS options.
• Finally, you will be asked to provide a NetBIOS domain name and paths to the database folder, the log files folder and the SYSVOL folder.
• You can then install the domain controller and log in to the domain after a restart.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to set up a proxy on Ubuntu.