Active Directory: a DCPromo answer file

An answer file makes Active Directory domain installation repeatable. This Windows Server 2003 example installs the domain and domain controller role from a script, so I can reproduce the process in my lab and prepare for production deployments.

Create a DCPromo answer file

Copy the text below into a new text file named ad.txt.

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[DCInstall]
AdministratorPassword =P@SSWORD1
CreateOrJoin = Create
DomainNetBiosName = 70-296
NewDomainDNSName = 70-296.net
RebootOnSuccess = Yes
ReplicaOrNewDomain = Domain
SiteName = "Default-First-Site"
InstallDNS=yes
ConfirmGc=Yes
TreeOrChild = Tree
UserName=Administrator
Password=P@SSWORD1

Change the administrator password and open a command prompt. Run dcpromo /answer:ad.txt. My answer file installs the DNS server automatically, so make sure the Windows Server source CD-ROM is available locally or in a CD drive.

After the reboot, I verified the domain installation.

Active Directory was installed successfully. The answer file lets me reproduce the steps in my lab and prepare for production deployments.

References

• http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223757/en-us
• http://www.petri.co.il/unattended_installation_of_active_directory.htm