IT Topics: Promote Windows Server 2016 Core installation to an ADS Domain Controller

Install Windows Server 2016 Core Mode

Widows server core includes a minimal version of the server software without GUI. All tasks should be done by using command prompt and PowerShell.

Steps:

Start the installation process of Windows Server 2016 ISO file and select the settings according to your need.

In the Select the operation system you want to install window, select either the Windows Server 2016 Standard or Windows Server 2016 Datacenter version, then proceed with the installation.

After completing the installation, press enter to change the user password

Type your password, and then confirm it.

Press enter to proceed.

The installation is done.

Configuring the Server Settings

To configure and access the server and network settings, type “sconfig” in the command prompt; you will see the following screen

To change the server name type “2” in front of the “Enter number to select an option:” line and proceed with the process.

For configuring Network settings type “8” > press Enter > insert “1” to "Select the Network Adapter Index" > Enter > type "1" > Enter, to setup the "Network Adapter Address”.

Type the letter “S” to setup a static IP address > press Enter > Insert a static IP address > Enter > insert subnet mask address > Enter > Type the address of default gateway and press the Enter key. Now, in the “Select option” type “2” > Enter > Insert new preferred DNS server IP address > Enter > type the alternative DNS Server IP Address > Enter.

Note: You may leave the Alternative DNS Server IP address blank

To return to main menu type “4” > Enter

To update the system Insert “6” and configure the the updates.

The system will restart after the updates are finished.

Configuring Active Directory Domain Controller

Step 1: Install the AD Role

To install the Active Directory Role, change the cmd mode to PowerShell by typing the “powershell” command.

Run command “Install-WindowsFeature -Name AD-Domain-Services -IncludeManagementTools” to install the Active Directory Service Role.

Step 2: Promoting AD to a DC

After installing the Active Directory Role, it is time to promote the server to a Domain Controller. For this task, run the following command:

“Install-ADDSForest -CreateDnsDelegation:$false -DomainName Example.com -DatabasePath c:\windows\NTDS -InstallDns:$true -LogPath c:\windows\LOGS -SysvolPath c:\windows\SYSVOL -force:$true”

Type a password when it prompts for “SafeModeAdministratorPassword” > Enter > retype your password > Enter again to start your server promoting to a domain controller

Note: Instead of Example.com, use your own domain name.

After the configuration is complete, you will be prompted for a sign-out dialog box; click “Close” to reboot your computer.

Now, the server is promoted to a Domain Controller. Wait for a few minutes after your computer is restarted, so that the system can apply the new settings. Press Ctrl-Alt-Del to unlock the system. Furthermore, notice that the domain name in the credentials area is now changed to “LODINPROJECT\Administrator”.

To see the configuration of thye Domain Control, run the “sconfig” command. You will notice that the domain is changed.

Re-Configuring the DNS Server IP Address

Promoting the server to a domain controller will result in resetting its DNS server address into a loopback IP address. To configure the DNS server address again, run the “sconfig” command then type “8” > press Enter > type “1” > Enter > type “3” > Enter; this will clear DNS server settings.