Deploy AD on Windows Server 2012 R2 server

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1. Install Windows Server 2012 R2 on a VM or physical server.

   In case of a cloned VM, it might make sense to go to Windows -> Run and execute 'sysprep'. System cleanup action - OOBE, generalize (MUST) and shutdown options - Reboot. Set timezone and keyboard. Set administrator password.

2. Login as administrator
3. Ensure that system has desired static IP address. Initially public DNS such as 8.8.8.8 can be used if there is no local DNS.
4. Change computer name to desirable (eg dc) and reboot. Ignore warning of duplicate name from older AD if any.
5. Go to Server Manager -> Dashboard or Local Server. Choose "Add roles and features" option from dashboard link or scroll down on "Local server" and choose Tasks -> "Add roles and features".
6. Click next on initial screen
7. Choose "Role-based or feature-based installation" and click next
8. Select current DC server and click next
9. Select "Active Directory Domain Services". On popup click "Add feature". Click next
10. On features screen click next
11. On information screen click next
12. On confirmation screen click install
13. Click close on installation succedded screen.
14. Open cmd and ping www.google.com to verify local DNS is working.
15. On Server Manager go to "AD DS" instead of "Local Server".
16. On "Configuration required for Active Directory Domain Services at DC" click more
17. Under Action click on "Promote this server to a domain controller" link
18. Appropriately choose to join an existing domain or forest. In case of fresh setup as explained in these steps choose "Add a new forest" and click next. If you choose to join existing domain or forest the remaining steps might differ.
19. Choose Forest and Domain functional level to "Windows Server 2012 R2". Specify desired DSRM password.
20. On the DNS Options page ignore warning and click next
21. Choose appropriate NetBIOS Domain name eg RND and click next
22. Continue with default paths and click next
23. Click next on Review options
24. Finally click install to start AD installation. After installation click "Close" to automatically reboot the server.
25. Again go to Server Manager -> "AD DS". Right click on AD server and choose "Active Directory Users and Computers"
26. Go to domain -> Users. Right click on "Administrator" and go to properties. Go to Account tab. Select "Password never expires" option.
27. Go to "DNS Manager" and add A record (eg host1.rnd.com pointing to 192.168.1.70). Test from a DNS client whether resolution is working or not.

Refer:

• http://sharepointgeorge.com/2012/configuring-active-directory-ad-ds-in-windows-server-2012/

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