Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of Ekuskowski
Ekuskowski

asked on

replacing DNS server

I have a Server 2003 Domain Controller which is also our DNS server.

This server has been giving us problems for a couple months now. We are planning on retiring the server.

We have created a Virtual server that is going to replace this domain controller/dns server.

I am not too familiar with configuring a DNS server.

What are the main things I have to do to configure the new dns server ?

The new server will have a new IP address and Name
We have another DNS server in our disaster recovery site.

A point in the right direction and a couple words of wisdom would be a great help

Thanks
SOLUTION
Avatar of ComputerTechie
ComputerTechie
Flag of United States of America image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
SOLUTION
Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Darius Ghassem
Darius Ghassem
Flag of United States of America image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Avatar of Ekuskowski
Ekuskowski

ASKER

Looks like DNS is working on the new server. I changed my IP address and DNS server to point to the new DNS server and I am able to get to the internet, ping other servers and printers. What tests should i run to verify DNS is configured correctly? I did not configure anything on the new server, seems to have pulled all the info through AD, just as dariusq had mentioned.

but when I go to DNS management and select the new DNS server, the right side pane gives me a screen that says Configure a DNS Server. I have attached a screenshot called DC1.bmp that shows what I am talking about.

I then selected Action configure a DNS server and I got the next screen, which I'm not sure of how to answer the question so I just cancelled. That screen shot is called DC1-Configure-DNS-Wizard.bmp

When I select our primary DNS server called file05 the screen right side pane has information including Root hints and forwarders. I have attached a screen shout of this as well. called File05.bmp

So I think I have three questions.
1. Is my DNS working properly now, and if I switch all my clients to point to the new DNS will I have a problem ?
2. If it is configured correctly , how do I get dns managment screen to not display "configure DNS Server" in the right hand pane ?
3. If I have to run the configuration wizard how do i answer the first question ?
4. How do I verify DNS is properly configured ?

Thank you for all your help
DC1.bmp
DC1-Configure-DNS-Wizard.bmp
File05.bmp
You need to create a Forward Lookup zone. Walk through the steps make sure you select AD integrated which will place the current zone in AD into the DNS console.


Look at Step three.
http://www.petri.co.il/how_to_install_active_directory_on_windows_2003.htm

After you have the DNS zone setup you can run "dcdiag /test:dns" to confirm all settings are correct.
Will I need to do a reverse lookup as well?
Yes, but Forward lookup is more important then reverse right now.
OK, looks like DNS is working, we are going to manually switch a couple of people to point to the new DNS server and see if they have problems.

Is there anything else I should test to make sure DNS is working before closing out this Question ?
Run a dcdiag /test:dns
Also, when you switch the client, do a couple nslookups to verify it's working for them.

First, go to nslookup(Open command prompt, and type "nslookup")
Enter their local computer name, hit enter. Should resolve to IP

Then try to resolve a server (file server or whatever), and a website (google.com).

If you have more than one domain in your AD forest, enter a machine name on another domain, including the FQDN (ie COMP1.DOMAIN.COM)
Everything looks to be working, I thank all of you for your help. still haven't made the switch in production but our tests all seem to be working properly
We still haven't made the switch in production but in our tests all seem to be working properly. We will probably make the official switch after a couple weeks with a test group