DCPromo completed but now cant get past loading screen

[CHR1S]

As per title, brand new install, DHCP, DNS installed ran DCPromo and it now just sits with the green bar going across and gets no further.

 

Any ideas?

[irsprint84]

*Have you had any faults recently? i.e. lost domain controller?

*PDC giving any errors in event log

*Checked ad replication recently?

[CHR1S]

Its a brand new server and a brand new install, I'm creating a new domain.

[irsprint84]

when you say new install, completely new domain?

[CHR1S]

Yep, fresh out the box, from scratch.

 

Its my first time with 2008 R2, but I have dcpromo'ed my fair share of servers lol!

I would love to say its a DNS issue, its presenting like one, but a fresh DNS install with nothing setup but a static IP shouldt be an issue...right?

[hermand]

Did you install DNS prior to DCPromo? I've never tried it that way myself. Honestly, I'd flatten the server and start again and let it do its own thing with DNS.

[CHR1S]

Yes I did, I was just clicking stuff like a kid in a sweet shop to be honest

 

Think your right, flatten and start again

[CHR1S]

Right, wiped, started again and dcpromo half finished. Its installed the DNS but all AD tools fail for several different reasons (PDC emulator not found)

 

The configuration information describing the enterprise is not available, the specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted"

Edited September 9, 2011 by CHR1S

[hermand]

Just to clarify, this is a blank installation of Server 2008 R2, and you're definitely creating a new domain? You're using the built in DCPromo utility aren't you?

 

Did you set an IP address? Is it on an active network? Are you using IPv4 or 6?

 

Can't see it being the issue, but did you update it to SP1 first / are you using SP1 media?

[hermand]

Not meaning to patronise you, but it might be worth scanning over this:

 

How to Install Active Directory on Windows Server 2008

 

I can't help shake the feeling it's going to be something really daft!

[CHR1S]

SP1 media, blank install, new domain, built in utility.

Set a static IPv4 address, on my home network, with VM DNS servers specified.

[CHR1S]

Not meaning to patronise you, but it might be worth scanning over this:

 

How to Install Active Directory on Windows Server 2008

 

I can't help shake the feeling it's going to be something really daft!

 

Thats exactly why im asking here, going to be something REALLY obvious!

[CHR1S]

In Windows Server 2008, unlike previous server operating Systems, there is an additional step that needs to be taken before running DCPROMO

 

And there it is -

 

This step is the installation of Active Directory Domain Services (AD-DS) role on the server

[hermand]

with VM DNS servers specified.

 

Actually, this could be your problem mate. DC's should point to themselves! My guess is it's trying to reference the FQDN which obviously isn't resolving properly.

 

TBH, I think DCPromo adds that role for you if you don't.

Edited September 9, 2011 by hermand

[CHR1S]

these are set for the network connection, before DNS was installed. Ill give that a go if the other bit fails.

[hermand]

Cool - let us know the outcome either way!

 

I've just checked the build notes for my last install, and I did indeed install the role beforehand. Done far too much else since then to recall off the top of my head

[joe_Burge]

Please make sure your server has 4gb of ram or more... 2008 dc will hang if less is installed.

[glennda]

Before restarting of after creating domain I would setup the dns to point to itself

[irsprint84]

Please make sure your server has 4gb of ram or more... 2008 dc will hang if less is installed.

 

??????????????

 

Mine has 2Gb and been up for months

[joe_Burge]

It's a 2008 R2 Domain Controller?

 

Because my 2008 R2 server was just fine with 2GB until I promoted it and then it simply would not come up until I added more memory.

[Dos_Box]

According to Wikipedia:

 

Processor1.4 GHz x86-64 or Itanium 2 processor

Memory:

Minimum:512 MB RAM (may limit performance and some features)Recommended:1 GB RAM

Maximum: 8 GB RAM (Foundation), 32 GB RAM (Standard), or 2 TB RAM (Enterprise, Datacenter and Itanium-Based Systems)

 

The same is echoed by Microsoft here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd379511(WS.10).aspx?ppud=4

Edited September 10, 2011 by Dos_Box

[irsprint84]

It's a 2008 R2 Domain Controller?

 

Because my 2008 R2 server was just fine with 2GB until I promoted it and then it simply would not come up until I added more memory.

 

Well I would look into why you had that issue in first place I ve done 3 dc's to 2gb and went as nicely as can be though I only have those servers as pure DC, DNS and 1 DHCP no files etc..

[joe_Burge]

Wikipedia quotes aside, that did happen so other than shrugging I have nothing else to offer about my own experience.

 

Also from experience is that DNS can be completely shot and the install should still complete, it should just complete with errors. Of course I could be wrong, I am frequently, I was merely trying to offer an alternative suggestion than a DNS related problem. For all I know the installation media could have been corrupt and copied garbage installer files over during the base OS install.

[CHR1S]

Bah, still hangs on the green scroll bar! If I get past that it says that certain parts failed to install.

 

Im going to re-download in install media and try again, its only the DC promo part that fails, if I just install DHCP and DNS its solid.

 

I have 5Gb Ram installed BTW.

[CHR1S]

On a hunch I left it at the green scrolling bar for a good 40 minutes, it went past it and carried on processing updates.

Could it be im being too hasty?