Use PowerShell to Create a New Active Directory Forest on Windows 2012 Server Core Installation (no-GUI)

calendar Oct 13, 2012 · Active Directory PowerShell Server Core Windows Server 2012  ·
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You have a fresh installation of Windows Server 2012 that was installed using the default installation type of server core installation (no-GUI). This server will be the first domain controller in a brand new Active Directory forest.

Log into the server and launch PowerShell by typing powershell.exe. You'll need to first add the AD-Domain-Services role to the server:

1Add-WindowsFeature AD-Domain-Services

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The installation of this role completes and a restart is not required:

posh-newadforest1.jpg

Now to make this server the first domain controller in a new forest:

1Install-ADDSForest -CreateDnsDelegation:$false -DatabasePath 'C:\Windows\NTDS' -DomainMode 'Win2012' -DomainName 'mikefrobbins.com' -DomainNetbiosName 'MIKEFROBBINS' -ForestMode 'Win2012' -InstallDns:$true -LogPath 'C:\Windows\NTDS' -NoRebootOnCompletion:$true -SysvolPath 'C:\Windows\SYSVOL' -Force:$true

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The installation will go through several steps:

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A restart is required when the installation is complete:

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