Verifying Active Directory Installation

  • Article

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

There are several verification tasks that can be performed on a computer on which Active Directory has been newly installed. Successfully completing the requirements of each verification task will provide a strong indication of a healthy, operational domain controller.

Task Requirements

The following tools are recommended to perform the procedures for this task:

  • Active Directory Sites and Services

  • DNS Manager

  • Event Viewer

  • Netdiag.exe

  • Dcdiag.exe

  • Ntdsutil.exe

To complete this task, perform the following procedures:

  1. Determine whether a Server object has child objects

  2. Verify that an IP address maps to a subnet and determine the site association

    You must ensure that the new domain controller is located in the proper site so that after the installation is complete, the new domain controller can locate replication partners and become part of the replication topology. If the site is not correct, you can use the Active Directory Sites and Services snap-in to move the Server object for the domain controller to the proper site after Active Directory installation is complete.

  3. Move the Server object to the new site

  4. Configure DNS server forwarders

  5. Complete all procedures for the Verifying DNS configuration task.

  6. Check the status of the shared SYSVOL

  7. Verify DNS registration and functionality

  8. Verify domain membership for a new domain controller

  9. Verify communication with other domain controllers

  10. Verify replication with other domain controllers

  11. Verify the availability of the operations masters