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Preparing for a domain server

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by hpum

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I presently have a peer to peer workgroup and have plans to deploy or switch to a domain type environment.

I bought a computer that will house the server. The question is - should I or can I install a dual boot system, namely vista ultimate and windows 2003 server? or should I just install 2003 server?

6 replies

by mohitgoyal1981

why you need dual boot as you have decided to go for doamin environment.
althought you can make it dual boot but it is not advisable to go for dual boot. once you will setup domain controller then you cannot switch to other OS anytime as domain require all time uptime.

by hpum

Thanks mohitgoyal1981 and clarkdo38 Obviously, I'm new to this domain controller. I will install 2003 server then but can someone now give me a link-refernce on how to set up my domain. Perhaps we can start with the host machine with the 2003 installation. Many thanks....

by clarkd038

The domain controller is required to be up and running at all times in order for any of the host computers to access the domain, or share files. So unless you plan on using the vista ultimate when nobody is planning on using the network just install 2003 server.

by hpum

Thanks mohitgoyal1981 and clarkdo38 Obviously, I'm new to this domain controller. I will install 2003 server then but can someone now give me a link-refernce on how to set up my domain. Perhaps we can start with the host machine with the 2003 installation. Many thanks....

by rob miners

and I wouldn't reccomend dual booting.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Common Infrastructure for Windows Server 2003 Deployment

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/technologies/directory/activedirectory/stepbystep/domcntrl.mspx

Basic Steps

When I setup a Standard Server I Partition the Hard Drive into 3 Drives. 20 Gb Primary, create an Extended Partition, then create 2 Logical Drives, depending on the size of the Drive. The third Partition is only 10Gb, I run my scripts and keep my tools here. I then do the first part of the Server install. I then format the other Drives. I always create a Folder on D:\ to put the Users Home Directories, Profiles and ClientApps.

I normally start at the base of the scope that way when you setup DHCP the IP Addresses 10.20.20.1-9. are excluded from distribution. I configure the Primary IP Address at the first stage of installation, Add the Subnet Mask and the Default Gateway. If I am using one network card I set the Preferred DNS the same as the IP Address of the Server. Alternate DNS Server is set to my ISP.

I connect the Server to a dummy Hub so that it thinks it has a connection. I then run stage two of the setup. Having preconfigured the Network Card the Windows 2003 Wizard will automatically setup DHCP and DNS. I redirect my Users and Clientapps to the folders that I have created on D:\. I then let setup install my selections. EG:Exchange.

Then I install Antivirus. I connect the Server to a live connection and open Server Management, Internet and Email, and run the Connect to the Internet Wizard. When that is setup to my satisfaction I run the Configure Remote Access Wizard.

Then I will open Active Directory Users & Computers and copy the Administrator Account creating two Users. SOE for installing Workstations and another one that blends in not being obvious that is not used unless in an Emergency.

I then add SOE in the GPO to allow that account to Add Workstations to the Domain. Then I will go to a workstation and logon, in Control Panel, select the Network Connections, Local Area Connection, right click and select Properties, select Internet Protocol and Properties, Tick Obtain an IP address automatically and the same for Obtain DNS server address automatically. In Control Panel, select the System icon: Select the tab : "Computer Name" To rename this computer or join a domain click change Type in your Domain Name a box will appear asking for a Username and Password Type in a username and password that has permission to add a PC to the Domain.

All going well you will have a proper connection.

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