Promote a Member Server to Domain Controller in Windows Server 2012

Configuring Active Directory on Windows Server 2012 is a process worthy of patience and attention to detail. It involves installing the Active Directory Domain Services role, defining a new AD forest, creating the first (or root) domain in the forest, configuring DNS, and promoting a member server to a domain controller. Whew, that seems like a bunch of work!

Never fear, Petri is here! A previous Petri post details how to get the Active Directory Domain Services role installed and running on a Windows Server 2012 machine. This article will walk you through the remainder of the process.

Installing AD on Windows Server 2012 and Adding a Forest

Before going any further, it’s important to verify that the member server to be promoted has the Active Directory Domain Services role installed. It also should have a static IP configured. A dynamically configured IP on a domain controller can produce incredibly unpredictable results.

• Login to the server where the Active Directory Domain Services role has been installed using an account that’s a member of the local administrator’s group.
• Open Server Manager.
• Click the Notifications icon. It looks like a flag and is found next to the Manage menu.
• Click Promote this server to a domain controller.

--> Please see the rest on Petri's website : http://www.petri.co.il/promote-member-server-to-domain-controller-windows-server-2012.htm