Active Directory in Windows 2000 Server

[sm]

Hi,

I am trying to learn setting up a Win2k server and after installing the operating system, it comes to configuring the server. I want to setup the active directory and go through the wizard as has been detailed at microsoft step by step guides also, but when the server tries to install the active directory it ends up giving the same error " The network could not be reached " .. My knowledge about this is still very very limited as I am trying to learn this. I have looked and looked and read and tried again and again, but to no luck. Its the same message.

I will appreciate it if any of you guys around could help me navigate through setting an active directory and make this machine a domain controller. It is going to be the only server in a new network that will be established.

Thanks.

 

[Wolf00]

I remember getting that same error when I didn't have the drivers for my NIC installed. During the setup process for AD, Windows trys to check for a DNS server and I'm guessing that if there isn't a network interface, then AD decides that you don't need a domain controller. If you do have your NIC installed, then maybe try assigning it a static IP. Also, do you have any other computers on the network? I've had a problem with setting up AD as the "first server on the network" when it's plugged in to the network. No idea why this happens, but when I unplugged my other computers from the network, rebooted and re-tried the AD setup, it worked.

Hope this helps

 

[sm]

Hi,

Thanks for replying back. I think you very well understand what error I am getting. I have installed the NIC with the latest drivers. I have not connected the server to a switch yet and was thinking that shouldnt be a problem, but after trying and thinking all the other things and also from your comments and experience, it might seem that I might need to hook it up to a switch and no other machines onto the switch.

I was thinking that the server with all the drivers installed should be configurable by itself alone as a domain contoller.

I do have a static IPassigned to the server nic. Still for some reason it just desnt want to install AD and tries to look for some network location. In the wizard, it seems like it asks whether you want it to setup DNS server also and I pick the default yes, but still it gets stuck with the same error.

Anyone else care to share their experience or thoughts on how to do this right. Or should I just plug in a switch to the server NIC and no other machines and try it again. I dont understand why it should be needed like this though ?

Thanks again.

 

[RyanLM]

Yes that is the problem, the server needs a link to install AD. Odd, but heh

 

[sm]

Hi,

Thanks RyanLM .. Will hook up the switch and see if it works.

I have to wait though as the switch is at workplace. Will update as to how it went.

Intriguing behavior, but if it works I am fine with it for now. I must have installed the OS at least 5 times thinking that I was doing something wrong in picking up the settings.!!

Thanks again.

 

[mobogasm]

Yep, it needs to have an active network connection to install.