When you install Active Directory for the first time in a network, you create the first domain controller in the forest, thus establishing the root domain. The root domain contains the configuration and schema information for the forest.
To create a root domain, run the Dcpromo.exe file to start the Active Directory Installation wizard. Complete the wizard by using the information in the following table.
| On this wizard page | Do this |
|---|---|
| Domain Controller Type | Click Domain controller for a new domain. |
| Create Tree or Child Domain | Click Create a new domain tree. |
| Create or Join Forest | Click Create a new forest of domain trees. |
| New Domain Name | Specify the DNS name for the new domain. If your network requires a presence on the Internet, verify that you have a registered Internet domain name. |
| Domain NetBIOS Name | The NetBIOS name for the new domain. The NetBIOS name is used to identify the domain controller to client computers running earlier versions of Windows. |
| Database and Log Locations | Specify locations for the Active Directory database and log files. The database stores the directory for the new domain, and the log file temporarily stores changes to the database. The default location is systemroot\NTDS. For best performance, place the database and log files on separate hard disks. |
| Shared System Volume | Specify the location for the shared system volume. The shared system volume is a folder structure that is hosted on all domain controllers running Windows 2000. The shared system volume stores files and Group Policy information that is replicated among domain controllers. You must specify a partition or volume that is formatted with the NTFS file system. |
| Windows NT 4.0 RAS Servers | Specify whether to weaken permissions to support users who access the network through remote access servers running Windows NT 4.0. Enabling this option gives the Everyone group permission to read any attribute of any user object in Active Directory. You should only select this option after considering the impact that weaker permissions will have on Active Directory security. |
After you finish specifying the installation information, the Active Directory Installation wizard installs Active Directory, converts the computer to a domain controller, and adds the following consoles to the Administrative Tools menu on that computer: