Part 2: Install Active Directory Role Server 2019
In order to install Exchange 2019 on Windows Server 2019 core, we will need an Active Directory Server promoted to a Domain Controller. In Part 1 we already have prepared 2 VMs running Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience ( AD2019 ) and Windows Server 2019 Core ( Exchange2019 ).
Install Active Directory Role on Server 2019 ( Desktop Experience )
Log in to the AD server and get rid of the nasty stuff + some preparation:
Disable IE enhanced security:
Server Manager > Local Server > IE Enhanced Security Configuration > Disable for Administrators.
Change performance settings for best performance:
Control Panel > System > Advanced Systems Settings > Performance ( Settings ) > Adjust for best performance
Set the hostname: ( AD2019 in my case )
Control Panel > System > Advanced Systems Settings > Tab Computer Name > Change Host Name > Restart
Configure a static IP address and Default Gateway on the NIC of the default switch:
The Default Gateway and preferred DNS IPs point to the HyperVisor default IP 172.24.96.129 which NATs to the NIC of the host machine.
Install Active Directory Role on Windows Server 2019 (AD2019) and further required features.
Use Roles and Features Wizard:
> Server Manager > Dashboard > Add roles and features > Next
Installation Type:
> Choose Role-based or feature-based installation > Next
Server Selection:
> Select a server from the server pool ( AD2019 ) > Next
Server Roles:
Features:
> Keep it default and click Next
AD DS ( Active Directory Domain Services ):
> Next
Confirmation:
> Tick in Restart the destination server automatically if required > Install
Results
Configure the Domain Controller
Deployment Configuration:
Domain Controller Options
> Keep the default functional levels and settings and type a Restore Mode password > Next
DNS Options:
> Ignore the Warning, don’t change anything and click Next
Additional Options:
> The NetBIOS name will be pulled automatically. No ToDos > Next
Paths:
> Keep the default paths > Next
Review Options:
> Review your selections > Next
Prerequisites Check:
Results:
> The server will restart. After the restart, you will be able to sign in as a domain administrator.
After login with the built-in administrator account, I was not able to open the network adapter options via right click on the taskbar > Open Network & Internet settings > Ethernet > Change adapter Options:
Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file.
You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.
It was possible though to open the network adapter properties the old school way:
You can find some workarounds on this TechNet forum:
Network-change-adapter-options-windows-cannot-access-the-specified-device-path-or-file
I worked around this issue creating a new domain admin user by copying the built-in administrator:
After login with the new admin, the adapter options can be opened via the network icon in the taskbar.
In Part 3 we will join the 2nd VM running Windows Server 2019 Core to the domain:
Join Windows Server Core 2019 to AD Domain
.