Installing Active Directory on Windows Server 2008 R2 Installing Active Directory on a fresh Windows Server 2008 R2 machine in a home network. The guide will assume you are starting from scratch and install and configure an Active Directory Domain Services role with a new Domain in a new Forest, along with a new DNS server.

Install the Active Directory Domain Services role Click on Add roles on the Initial Configuration window

Select the box next to Active Directory Doman Services

Select Add Required Features

Click Next

Click Install

Open the Server Manager Click on “Run the Active Directory Domain Services Installation Wizard (dcpromo.exe)” Promote the server to a Domain Controller and configure Active Directory

Click Next

Select Create a new domain in a new forest Basically this means we’re starting from scratch, installing our first domain in a first forest

Click Next Enter a domain name

Click Next Choose a Forest Functional Level Since we’re installing our first domain in a our home network (to put it simply), our choice here will affect what domain controllers we may want to add this this forest in future. Learn more here

Click Next Choose a Domain Functional Level Again, our choice here will affect what domain controllers we may want to add this this domain in future. Learn more here

At this point the wizard will examine if there is a DNS server available (one that is compatible with Active Directory) Note that your average broadband router or modem is most likely not be compatible with Active Directory. This should take only a couple of minutes. Install the DNS server role

With no DNS server available the wizard will recommend installing one on this server. Make sure DNS Server is checked Click Next

Click Yes to continue Since we don’t have an existing DNS server we don’t have to concern ourselves with this message.

Leave everything as default Click Next

Choose a strong password for the Directory Services Restore Mode Administrator account. What is Directory Services Restore Mode? If you ever have to restore Active Directory on this domain controller, You will need to boot into Directory Services Restore Mode and log in using this password to be able to restore it. Click Next

Click Next when you have confirmed everything is correct on the summary screen and wait for the installation to finish.

Click Finish Restart the server when prompted

You will need to install a DHCP server to be able to fully use Active Directory on your network. Instructions are available on my blog That’s it.