Install Windows Server 2003 on the First Forest Root Domain Controller

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

The first step in deploying the first forest root domain controller is to install Windows Server 2003 on the computer that you want to make the domain controller.

Note

  • Before installing Windows Server 2003, ensure that DNS was never previously installed on the computer. If DNS was previously installed, configuration of the DNS resolver and forwarders might fail.

    • Insert the Windows Server 2003 operating system CD in the CD-ROM drive of the domain controller and select the option to install the operating system, or use an automated installation method. If the Windows Server 2003 media is shared on the network, run the Winnt32.exe command. Use the NTFS file system to format the partitions. Enter the computer name, static IP address, and subnet mask as specified by your design.

    • In TCP/IP Properties, configure the DNS client settings by using the information documented in the "Domain Controller Configuration" worksheet. The DNS settings are temporary and will be changed after you install Active Directory.

    • Enable Remote Desktop for Administration (formerly known as Terminal Services in Remote Administration mode) to enable administrators to log on remotely if necessary. To enable Remote Desktop for Administration, in Control Panel, double-click System, select the Remote tab, and then select Allow users to connect remotely to this computer.

    • Install Windows Support Tools, which are available in the \Support\Tools folder on the Windows Server 2003 operating system CD.