Windows Server 2003 Install/Config

[Rawns]

I'm trying to expand my knowledge of setting up & configuring servers at home and am planning on setting up a mini "virtual network" with some VM's. I have basic knowledge of using things like AD but I've never actually installed and configured Windows 2003 server as a DC, File Server, Terminal Server etc etc.

 

If anyone could point me towards some literature or step by step guides, tutorials etc, it would be appreciated.

Edited June 10, 2011 by Rawns

[ccp]

Hi Rawns,

 

This is a very good reference for knowing how to promote servers as PDC etc...

 

However in simple terms, just go to a run prompt and type: DCPROMO then follow all on screen prompts.

When complete, you will have a domain set up. Then its just a case of configuring DHCP, DNS etc...

 

Here is the link I was referring to earlier: Step By Step Guide for Windows Server 2003 Domain Controller and DNS Server Setup | Windows Reference

 

Hope this helps.

[dhicks]

I have basic knowledge of using things like AD but I've never actually installed and configured Windows 2003 server as a DC, File Server, Terminal Server etc etc.

 

Don't worry: you just install Server 2003, add the appropriate role and follow the steps in the on-screen wizard. You'll learn more by just getting on with it and Googling for answers as any issues arrise. You are working on virtual machines, after all, on a test network, so any mistakes and you just roll back your VM to a fresh install of Server 2003 and try again.

[po_jo_45]

I have recently created a test VM network and was wondering if anyone knows a good User creation script that I can use to create users, I have used RM networks and they make life very easy with the RMMC.

 

I understand that it has to be written in vbs but was wondering if there is something out there already which i can use

[Firefox]

Have you considered just going for a 2008 install? unless you plan to "test" an upgrade to 2008 in your environment?

 

Configurations such as AD, DNS, FSMO roles remain very much the same

[po_jo_45]

I work with server 2003 and want to test some things in the VM before trying it out live, I will also do a server 2008 install to learn in the near future