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Windows Server 2019 Installation and DNS Configuration Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Installing Windows Server 2019
  2. Configuring Initial Server Settings
  3. Installing and Configuring DNS Server
  4. Creating a Forward Lookup Zone
  5. Testing the DNS Server
  6. Conclusion

Installing Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Boot from Installation Media

  1. Insert the Windows Server 2019 installation USB/DVD.
  2. Restart the computer and boot from the installation media.
  3. Select the preferred language, time, and keyboard layout.
  4. Click Next.

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Step 2: Start Installation

  1. Click Install now.
  2. Enter the product key or select I don't have a product key.
  3. Choose the Windows Server 2019 edition (Standard or Datacenter) and click Next.
  4. Accept the license agreement and click Next.

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Step 3: Select Installation Type

  1. Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
  2. Select the installation drive and click Next.

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Step 4: Complete Installation

  1. The system will copy files, install features, and restart automatically.
  2. Set an administrator password when prompted and log in.

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Configuring Initial Server Settings

Step 1: Configure Network Settings

  1. Open Server Manager.
  2. Click Local Server.
  3. Click Ethernet and configure the IP settings manually.

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Step 2: Rename the Server

  1. In Server Manager, click Local Server.
  2. Click Computer Name > Change.
  3. Enter the new name (e.g., HOMELAB-DC).
  4. Click OK, restart the server.

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Installing and Configuring DNS Server

Step 1: Install DNS Role

  1. Open Server Manager > Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
  2. Choose Role-based or feature-based installation.
  3. Select DNS Server and click Next.
  4. Click Install and wait for the process to complete.

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Step 2: Configure DNS Settings

  1. Open Server Manager > Click Tools > DNS.
  2. Right-click the server name and select Configure a DNS Server.
  3. Choose Create a forward lookup zone.

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Creating a Forward Lookup Zone

Step 1: Create "HOMELAB.COM"

  1. In DNS Manager, expand the server and right-click Forward Lookup Zones.
  2. Click New Zone.
  3. Select Primary Zone and click Next.
  4. Enter HOMELAB.COM as the zone name and click Next.
  5. Select Allow only secure dynamic updates and click Next.
  6. Click Finish.

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Step 2: Add Host Records

  1. In DNS Manager, right-click the HOMELAB.COM zone.
  2. Click New Host (A or AAAA).
  3. Enter a hostname (e.g., webserver), assign an IP address.
  4. Click Add Host.

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Testing the DNS Server

Step 1: Verify DNS Resolution

  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Type: 
    nslookup webserver.homelab.com
  3. Ensure the correct IP address is returned.

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Step 2: Test Reverse Lookup

  1. In DNS Manager, create a Reverse Lookup Zone.
  2. Add a PTR record for webserver.homelab.com.
  3. Use nslookup to verify reverse lookup resolution.

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Conclusion

You have successfully installed Windows Server 2019 and configured a DNS server for "HOMELAB.COM." This setup allows devices in your network to resolve hostnames efficiently. You can further enhance your setup by integrating Active Directory or additional network services.

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