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When should DHCP be installed on a 2003 server?

I have a small network I'm setting up on a windows 2003 stand-alone server for 6 clients xps, I have set up DNS. Should I set up the server as a DHCP server before I install active directory, or afterwards, or does it matter? If I should have installed it before DNS, I can uninstall DNS and redo that. (I'm assuming I should take the linksys router off duty as the DHCP server, right? )
Thanks.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

gpriceee

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drnacboozway

It really doen't matter, but I would install DHCP anytime before joining the 6 clients to the domain. This way the clients have all the proper DNS and IP settings. Before you do turn it on you do want to disable the linksys dhcp.

What I would also recommend is uninstalling the DNS, and install active directory. During the installation of active directory, you will be prompted to install DNS. At that point proceed to install the DNS, this way DNS will be Active Directory Integrated. Once this is done then install DHCP and add the clients to the domain.

BTW if this is not a public domain (most domains are not) do not use .com in your domain name. :) Common mistake that I see.

gpriceee

You don't have to remove DNS.
After you run your dcpromo successfully,

Open the DNS mmc
Click on the + next to your server --> + next to Forward Lookup Zones --> + next to domain
Right click your domain name --> General Tab --> Change Button in the Type row.
Choose Primay zone and check the box for Store the zone in Active Directory.

reh2

ASKER

drnacboozway,
You recommend a .local instead of .com?

gpriceee

.local will protect you from accidental DNS configuration issues that could create security holes.

reh2

ASKER

gpriceee,

>> Open the DNS mmc
>> Click on the + next to your server --> + next to Forward Lookup Zones --> + next to domain
>> Right click your domain name --> General Tab --> Change Button in the Type row.
>> Choose Primay zone and check the box for Store the zone in Active Directory.

Does this integrate it with Active Directory?

Thanks.

gpriceee

Yes.
I was trying to find a link that explains DNS and Active Directory a little bit.
What you really want to be sure of before you install Active Directory by running dcpromo is that your DNS is what you want. I highly recommend a .local rather than a .com even if you are the only one who works with it right now. Someone else might make a config error that could really create some terrible issues.

gpriceee

This one is pretty good: http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/dnswin2/chapter/ch11.html

reh2

ASKER

Thanks, gpricee, I appreciate the help.

reh2

ASKER

drnacboozqy,
I haven't been too successful letting ad install dns. I've had probs with gpo working and the clients finding the domain controller. Maybe soemthing I've done, but I haven't been able to figure it out.
Thanks for the input.
reh

drnacboozway

Yes, local is recommended. Correct me if im wrong, If you put in a domain name ex. domain AD will automatically assume its a .local at the end.

gpriceee, that is correct you dont have to uninstall DNS... but by uninstalling it dcpromo will install dns as an active dir. dns server. This is just what I would have done on a fresh install... There are many ways :)

reh2, to be honest I havent had any problems with AD installing DNS in windows 2k3... done it may time. On the other hand windows 2k had many problems.