Verify DNS Server Recursive Name Resolution When Upgrading to a Single Domain Forest

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

DNS server recursive name resolution is configured automatically during the Active Directory installation process. If your design specifies a different configuration, you can use the DNS snap-in or Dnscmd.exe to modify these settings. Use the DNS snap-in to verify DNS server recursive name resolution based on the information in Table 8.8.

Table 8.8   Information to Verify DNS Server Recursive Name Resolution

Method Configuration

Recursive name resolution by root hints

No additional configuration is necessary. When the DNS server specified as the Preferred DNS server during the installation process is correctly configured, the root hints are automatically configured. To verify the root hints by using the DNS snap-in:

  1. In the console tree, right-click the domain controller name, and then click Properties.

  2. In the Properties sheet for the domain controller, view the root hints on the Root Hints tab.

Root hints are the recommended method to use for recursive name resolution in a Windows Server 2003 environment.

Recursive name resolution by forwarding

Forward unresolved queries to specified DNS servers. To verify forwarding by using the DNS snap-in:

  1. In the console tree, right-click the domain controller name, and then click Properties.

  2. On the Forwarders tab, in the selected domain’s Forwarders list, verify that the IP addresses match those specified by your design.

Forwarders should be used only if that is what your organization’s design specifies. Root hints are the recommended method to use for recursive name resolution in a Windows Server 2003 environment.

No existing DNS infrastructure

No additional configuration is necessary.

In this environment, if you want to configure internal DNS servers to resolve queries for external names, then configure this DNS server to forward unresolved queries to an external server, such as one in your perimeter network, or one hosted by an Internet service provider.