Secondary Domain Controller Windows Server

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on setting up a Secondary Domain Controller (SDC) using Windows Server. A Secondary Domain Controller enhances network reliability and provides fault tolerance in a Windows Server environment. This guide is relevant for IT administrators and anyone looking to improve their server infrastructure.

Step 1: Preparing the Environment

• Check System Requirements: Ensure the server meets the hardware and software requirements for Windows Server.
• Install Windows Server: If not already installed, set up Windows Server on the machine that will become the Secondary Domain Controller.
• Network Configuration: Assign a static IP address to the server to ensure stable connectivity within the domain.

Step 2: Join the Domain

• Open System Properties:

  • Right-click on 'This PC' and select 'Properties'.
  • Click on 'Change settings' under 'Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings'.

• Change Computer Name:

  • Click on 'Change' and enter a unique name for the Secondary Domain Controller.

• Join the Domain:

  • Select 'Domain' and enter the name of the existing domain.
  • Provide credentials of a user account with permission to join the domain.

• Restart the Server: After successfully joining the domain, restart the server to apply changes.

Step 3: Install Active Directory Domain Services

• Open Server Manager:

  • Launch Server Manager from the Start menu.

• Add Roles and Features:

  • Click on 'Add Roles and Features'.
  • Select 'Role-based or feature-based installation' and click 'Next'.

• Select Server:

  • Choose the server you have just joined to the domain and click 'Next'.

• Install Active Directory Domain Services:

  • In the roles list, check 'Active Directory Domain Services' and proceed through the wizard.
  • Follow prompts to complete the installation.

Step 4: Promote the Server to Secondary Domain Controller

• Open Active Directory Domain Services Configuration Wizard:

  • After installation, a notification will appear in Server Manager. Click on it and select 'Promote this server to a domain controller'.

• Select Deployment Configuration:

  • Choose 'Add a domain controller to an existing domain' and provide the domain name.

• Specify Domain Controller Options:

  • Set the desired Domain Controller options (e.g., Global Catalog, Read-Only Domain Controller).
  • Choose the appropriate site and ensure to set a password for Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM).

• Review and Install:

  • Review the settings, and once confirmed, click 'Install'.
  • The server will restart once the promotion process is complete.

Step 5: Verify the Configuration

• Check Active Directory Users and Computers:

  • Open 'Active Directory Users and Computers' from the Tools menu in Server Manager.
  • Verify that the new Secondary Domain Controller appears in the list of domain controllers.

• Test Replication:

  • Use tools like repadmin to check the replication status.
  • Run the command:

    repadmin /replsummary
    

Conclusion

Setting up a Secondary Domain Controller increases your network's reliability and provides backup in case of primary controller failure. By following these steps, you can successfully promote a server to a Secondary Domain Controller, ensuring a more robust IT infrastructure. Next, consider implementing regular backup strategies and monitoring tools to maintain your server environment effectively.