Recently, I decided to add a second domain controller to my mikefrobbins.com domain. The existing server and this new server that will become a domain controller both run the Microsoft Windows Server 2012 operating system and both were installed with the default installation type of server core (no GUI). Even though the GUI can be turned on and off in Windows Server 2012 (unlike in Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2), I prefer not to add the GUI unless absolutely necessary.

You’re attempting to view the event logs of a couple of remote Windows Server 2012 servers that have been installed with the default installation type of server core (No GUI). You receive the following error when attempting to connect to these servers using the Event Viewer snapin in an MMC console: Computer ‘DC01.MIKEFROBBINS.COM’ cannot be connected. Verify that the network path is correct, the computer is available on the network, and that the appropriate Windows Firewall rules are enabled on the target computer.

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: Add-WindowsFeature AD-Domain-Services The installation of this role completes and a restart is not required: