Configure a DNS server

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

You can use these procedures to configure a new Domain Name System (DNS) server. When you finish configuring the server, you may need to complete additional tasks, such as enabling dynamic updates for its zones or adding resource records to its zones. See the other tasks in this guide to determine whether they are appropriate for your environment.

You can perform this procedure by using the DNS snap-in or by using the Dnscmd tool at the command line.

Administrative credentials

To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security best practice, consider using the Run as command to perform this procedure.

• Using the Windows interface

• Using a command line

To configure a DNS server using the Windows interface

1. Open the DNS snap-in.

2. If necessary, add the applicable server to the console and connect to it.

3. In the console tree, click the applicable DNS server.

   Where?

   • DNS/Applicable DNS server

4. On the Action menu, click Configure a DNS Server.

5. Follow the instructions in the Configure a DNS Server Wizard.

To configure a DNS server using the command line

• At a command prompt,type the following command, and then press ENTER:

  dnscmd ServerName /Config {ZoneName|..AllZones} Property {1|0}

  Expand table

  Value	Description
  dnscmd	Specifies the name of the command-line tool.
  ServerName	Required. Specifies the DNS host name of the DNS server. You can also type the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the DNS server. To specify the DNS server on the local computer, you can also type a period (.).
  /Config	Specifies the configuration command.
  {ZoneName|..AllZones}	Specifies the name of the zone to be configured. To apply the configuration for all zones that are hosted by the specified DNS server, type ..AllZones.
  Property	Specifies the server property or zone property to be configured. There are different properties available for servers and zones. For a list of the available properties, at a command prompt type: dnscmd/Config /help.
  {1|0}	Sets configuration options to either 1 (on) or 0 (off). Note that some server and zone properties must be reset as part of a more complex operation.