- 1). Install Windows Server on a new machine or use and existing server in your domain. On a new machine, boot to the installation media and perform a full installation. Setup the system in accordance with your organization's policies, if any.
- 2). Join the server to the domain. Once the operating system is installed, the computer must be a member of the domain. If this is an existing server or you joined the domain as part of the installation process you can skip this step. In System Settings, choose "Computer Name" then "Domain". Enter the name of the domain you wish to join and press "Finish." You will be prompted to enter the credentials for an account on the domain. Finally you will need to reboot to apply the changes.
- 3). Install the Active Directory Domain Services role. From the Server Manager choose "Add Roles." In the wizard find and select Active Directory Domain Services. Follow the instructions to finish the wizard paying attention to any messages or warnings it presents. Once installation is complete you will be presented with the option to launch the "Active Directory Domain Services Installation Wizard." Launch this wizard and proceed to the next step.
- 4). Promote the server to a domain controller. If you chose not to run the "Active Directory Domain Services Installation Wizard" upon completion of the role installation, you can launch it now by running "dcpromo.exe". In the wizard choose "Existing forest," the select "Add a domain controller to an existing domain." When prompted for network credentials either choose "My currently logged on credentials" if you are logged on as a domain administrator, or choose "Alternate credentials" and enter the user name and password of a domain administrator account. Follow the remaining steps of the wizard to choose the domain and site for the new controller. Review the summary on the final page and click next to complete the installation.
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