DNS Server configuration error

[anamika]

My aim is to install and work with Active Directory on a small network.
I have followed the following steps to install DNS Server.

1>Add the DNS service to my Windows 2000 server from the Windows
Components option in Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel.

2>Go into the server's TCP/IP properties and add the IP address of this
server as the DNS server address.
IP Address: 192.168.0.203
Preffered DNS Server: 192.168.0.203

3>Configure a new DNS zone by right clicking on Forward Lookup Zones
and choosing New Zone.
Note: Name of the zone is private :<company_name>.local
A standard primary lookup zone is created

4>Configure a Reverse Lookup Zone.
Note: Both forward and reverse lookup zones have been configured to
allow dynamic updates


So far, so good.
Now I try to install Active Directory by running dcpromo. When prompted
for my Active Directory domain name, I choose exactly the same name as
the DNS zone that I have set up earlier.
The error it throws now is :
This wizard cannot contact the DNS Server that handles the nameserver
<company_name>.local .....

WHY THIS ERROR?Any ideas???
Thanks in advance.

 

[Herb Martin]

My aim is to install and work with Active Directory on a small network.
I have followed the following steps to install DNS Server.

1>Add the DNS service to my Windows 2000 server from the Windows
Components option in Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel.

Nothing wrong with this but...

It's actually easier -- and more reliable to let the DCPromo
do the DNS for you too.

2>Go into the server's TCP/IP properties and add the IP address of this
server as the DNS server address.
IP Address: 192.168.0.203
Preffered DNS Server: 192.168.0.203

AND NO alternate, correct?

You must NOT use a MIX of internal and other DNS servers on
any internal DNS client (including DCs and DNS servers themselves.)

3>Configure a new DNS zone by right clicking on Forward Lookup Zones
and choosing New Zone.
Note: Name of the zone is private :<company_name>.local
A standard primary lookup zone is created

4>Configure a Reverse Lookup Zone.
Note: Both forward and reverse lookup zones have been configured to
allow dynamic updates

Generally reverse zones are must ado about nothing (or very little)
but there is nothing wrong with this.

So far, so good.
Now I try to install Active Directory by running dcpromo. When prompted
for my Active Directory domain name, I choose exactly the same name as
the DNS zone that I have set up earlier.
The error it throws now is :
This wizard cannot contact the DNS Server that handles the nameserver
<company_name>.local .....

The domain name has AT LEAST two labels, right?

company.com or company.local but NOT just "company".

You also might want to make sure the SERVER (before it
becomes a DC) has the correct DNS name in the SYSTEM
CONTROL panel.

Servername.company.local (or whatever.)

WHY THIS ERROR?Any ideas???
Thanks in advance.

Based on what you have said (and if you confirm the correct
additional clarifications above) it SHOULD be working.

What version are you running? What Service Pack? Generally
you want all service packs up to date.

 

[anamika]

Thanks a lot for your immediate response.

I have read in many places that tying to install DNS server with
dcpromo is not a good idea. It is not always successful. Its best to
install it manually.

Yes, my domain name has two labels: <company name>.local

How do I verify that the SERVER has the correct DNS name in the SYSTEM
CONTROL panel? I believe that it will ensure that DNS Server has been
installed properly but not whether it has been configured successfully
or not.

Yes I have installed service pack 4 in my machine.

 

[anamika]

Thanks to Mr. Martin and group members for your help.
I have solved the problem !!!
DNS was successfully installed with the aid of dcpromo.
But I have still failed to figure out why had the setup failed during
manual installation.
Well, all is well that ends well.