How do I...Install and configure a DNS server in Windows Server 2008?

Installing DNS via dcpromo

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Without DNS, computers would have a very tough time communicating with each other. However, most Windows administrators still rely on WINS for name resolution on local area networks and some have little or no experience with DNS. Steven Warren explains how to install, configure, and troubleshoot a Windows 2008 DNS server.

You can install a DNS server from the Control Panel or when promoting a member server to a domain controller (DC). During the promotion, if a DNS server is not found, you will have the option of installing it.

Adding roles

To install a DNS server from the Control Panel, follow these steps:

From the Start menu, select | Control Panel | Administrative Tools |Server Manager.
Expand and click Roles.
Choose Add Roles and follow the wizard by selecting the DNS role.
Click Install to install DNS in Windows Server 2008.

Installing the DNS role

DNS install progress bar

Configure appropriate zones

A forward lookup zone is simply a way to resolve host names to IP addresses. A reverse lookup zone allows a DNS server to discover the DNS name of the host. Basically, it is the exact opposite of a forward lookup zone. A reverse lookup zone is not required, but it is easy to configure and will allow for your Windows 2008 Server to have full DNS functionality.

Creating your first forward lookup zone

Choosing your Zone Type

When selecting a DNS zone type, you have the following options:

Active Directory (AD) Integrated
Standard Primary, and
Standard Secondary

AD Integrated stores the database information in AD and allows for secure updates to the database file. This option will appear only if AD is configured. If it is configured and you select this option, AD will store and replicate your zone files.

A Standard Primary zone stores the database in a text file. This text file can be shared with other DNS servers that store their information in a text file.

Finally, a Standard Secondary zone simply creates a copy of the existing database from another DNS server. This is primarily used for load balancing.

IPv4 vs. IPv6

Choose whether you want a IPv4 or IPv6 Reverse Lookup Zone.

Enter your reverse lookup zone name

Zone File

You can choose to create a new file or use an existing DNS file.

Configure a forwarder

Start of Authority Record (SOA)

The Start of Authority (SOA) resource record is always first in any standard zone. The Start Of Authority (SOA) tab allows you to make any adjustments necessary. You can change the primary server that holds the SOA record, and you can change the person responsible for managing the SOA. Finally, one of the most important features of Windows 2000 is that you can change your DNS server configuration without deleting your zones and having to re-create the wheel

Configure a Name Server

Select DNS from the Administrative Tools folder to open the DNS console.
Expand the Forward Lookup Zone.
Right-click on the appropriate domain and choose Properties.
Select the Name Servers tab and click Add.
Enter the appropriate FQDN Server name and IP address of the DNS server you want to add.

Configure a Host (A) Record

A Host (A) record maps a host name to an IP address. These records help you easily identify another server in a forward lookup zone. Host records improve query performance in multiple-zone environments, and you can also create a Pointer (PTR) record at the same time. A PTR record resolves an IP address to a host name.

To create a Host record:

Select DNS from the Administrative Tools folder to open the DNS console.
Expand the Forward Lookup Zone and click on the folder representing your domain.
From the Action menu, select New Host.
Enter the Name and IP Address of the host you are creating (Figure O).
Select the Create Associated Pointer (PTR) Record check box if you want to create the PTR record at the same time. Otherwise, you can create it later.
Click the Add Host button.

Configure a Canonical Name (CName) or alias record

Select DNS from the Administrative Tools folder to open the DNS console.
Expand the Forward Lookup Zone and highlight the folder representing your domain.
From the Action menu, select New Alias.
Enter your Alias Name.
Enter the fully qualified domain name (FQDN).
Click OK.

Configure a Pointer (PTR)record.

A Pointer (PTR) record creates the appropriate entry in the reverse lookup zone for reverse queries. As you saw, you have the option of creating a PTR record when creating a Host record. If you did not choose to create your PTR record at that time, you can do it at any point.

To create a PTR record:

Select DNS from the Administrative Tools folder to open the DNS console.
Choose the reverse lookup zone where you want your PTR record created.
From the Action menu, select New Pointer.
Enter the Host IP Number and Host Name.
Click OK.

Configure Mail Exchange (MX) records

Mail Exchange records help you identify mail servers within a zone in your DNS database. With this feature, you can prioritize which mail servers will receive the highest priority. Creating MX records will help you keep track of the location of all of your mail servers.

To create a Mail Exchange (MX) record:

Select DNS from the Administrative Tools folder to open the DNS console.
Expand the Forward Lookup Zone and highlight the folder representing your domain.
From the Action menu, select New Mail Exchanger.
Enter the Host Or Domain.
Enter the Mail Server and Mail Server Priority.
Click OK.

Other new records

You can create many other types of records. For a complete description, choose Action | Other New Records from the DNS console. Select the record of your choice and view the description.