Active Directory Setup Checklist

Pre-Installation Steps

Verify hardware meets - minimum requirements - for Active Directory
Ensure Windows Server is installed and up to date
Configure static IP address for the server
Set appropriate computer name
Verify network connectivity

Installing Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Open Server Manager
Click "Add roles and features"
Select "Role-based or feature-based installation"
Choose the current server
Check "Active Directory Domain Services"
Add any additional required features
Complete the installation wizard

Promoting the Server to a Domain Controller

Click on the flag notification in Server Manager
Select "Promote this server to a domain controller"
Choose "Add a new forest" and specify the root domain name
Set the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password
Review DNS options
Verify NetBIOS domain name
Specify the database, log files, and SYSVOL locations
Review selections and click "Install"

Post-Installation Configuration

Verify Active Directory installation in Server Manager
Configure DNS settings for client computers
Set up-Group Policy-objects
Create and configure organizational units (OUs)
Set up user accounts and groups
Configure-FSMO roles-if multiple domain controllers exist

Security Considerations

Enable and configure auditing
Implement strong password policies
Configure account lockout policies
Set up regular backups of Active Directory
Implement -least privilege-access principles

Note:

This checklist provides a general guideline for setting up Active Directory. Specific configurations may vary based on your organization's needs and network environment. Always consult official Microsoft documentation and your organization's IT policies when setting up Active Directory.

Additional Resources

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