Domain Controller Setup Wizard

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING:

Promoting a server to a domain controller is a critical operation that can severely impact your infrastructure if not done correctly. Ensure you have:

Use a valid domain name format (e.g., domain.local, company.com)
Store this password securely! It's required for recovery operations.
Install AD DS Role and Management Tools
Install DNS Server
Install Group Policy Management Console
Install Remote Server Administration Tools
Configure as Global Catalog
Enable Replication
Specify Site Name
For best performance, place on separate drives

Domain Controller Configuration Steps

1. Prerequisites Check

Required:
  • Windows Server 2016/2019/2022
  • Static IP address configured
  • Server joined to workgroup (for first DC) or domain (for additional DC)
  • Minimum 4GB RAM (16GB recommended)
  • Administrator privileges

2. Install Required Features

Common Installation Issues:

  • Error 0x800F0922 (Source files not found)

    1. Mount Windows Server ISO or configure Windows Update
    2. Use -Source parameter with path to install files

  • Pending restart required

    Run: Get-ComputerRestartInfo
    Restart if needed before proceeding

3. Domain Controller Promotion

Server will automatically restart after promotion

Common Promotion Issues:

  • Network connectivity issues

    1. Verify DNS settings
    2. Check firewall rules
    3. Test connectivity to existing DC (if applicable)

  • Forest/Domain functional level incompatible

    1. Verify OS compatibility
    2. Check existing forest/domain levels
    3. Plan upgrade path if needed

  • SYSVOL replication issues

    1. Check DFSR service status
    2. Verify network ports (TCP/UDP 445)
    3. Review event logs for errors

4. Post-Promotion Verification

Run these commands after restart to verify successful promotion