To install and configure Active Directory (AD) on Windows Server, follow these steps:
Installation
- Open Server Manager: Start the Server Manager console from the Administrative Tools menu.
- Add Roles and Features: Click on "Add roles and features" and follow the wizard.
- Select Active Directory Domain Services: In the Server Roles step, select "Active Directory Domain Services" and proceed through the installation.
Configuration
- Promote to Domain Controller:
- After installation, right-click on "AD DS" in Server Manager and select "Promote this server to a domain controller".
- Choose the deployment configuration (e.g., "Add a new forest").
- Specify the domain name, NetBIOS name, and forest functional level.
- Configure DNS settings, usually choosing to create a new DNS zone.
- Set up the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password.
- Complete the promotion process.
Example
For a company named "TechCorp", you might set up a new forest with the domain name "techcorp.com". You would configure DNS to ensure that all domain members can resolve each other's names.
Additional Considerations
- Security: Implement strong password policies and consider using two-factor authentication for domain administrators.
- Backup: Regularly back up the AD database to recover from potential failures.
- Monitoring: Use tools like Windows Performance Monitor to keep an eye on AD performance.
Cloud Consideration
For environments where you might need scalable and reliable DNS services alongside AD, consider using services like Tencent Cloud's DNSPod, which offers high availability and management features tailored for cloud environments.
This setup ensures that your Windows Server is properly configured as an Active Directory domain controller, facilitating centralized management of user accounts, computers, and network resources.