For the Domain Controller build the entire process is much easier and quicker when working from PowerShell instead of the GUI. It also makes it more repeatable, which is awesome for labs.
The first steps are the basic config of the server. Below is each command needed, with the variables in red. Change what you need, then paste the commands into PowerShell.
Set the computer name:
Rename-Computer LabDC
Enable Remote Desktop access (optional)
Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup “Remote Desktop”Set-ItemProperty -Path ‘HKLM:SystemCurrentControlSetControlTerminal Server’ -name “fDenyTSConnections” -value 0
Set-NetIPInterface -InterfaceAlias Ethernet0 -AddressFamily IPv4 -Dhcp Disabled
New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias Ethernet0 -AddressFamily IPv4 -IPAddress 192.168.1.210 -PrefixLength 24
Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias Ethernet0 -AddressFamily IPv4 -ServerAddresses 8.8.8.8
New-NetRoute -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias Ethernet0 -DestinationPrefix 0.0.0.0/0 -NextHop 192.168.1.1
Install-WindowsFeature -name AD-Domain-Services,DNS,FS-iSCSITarget-Server,RSAT-ADDS
Reboot to apply the name change:
shutdown -r -t 0
Log into the server again, and create the domain:
Install-ADDSForest -DomainName Lab.local -InstallDNS
When prompted for the AD Restore Mode password enter the password, and then confirm it. After that, accept the prompt by pressing the “A” key and hitting Enter. Wait, while the new domain is configured. When the process completes the server will automatically reboot.
The final task will be getting DNS configured with a reverse DNS zone, and records created for the various devices that will be deployed.
Add-DnsServerPrimaryZone -NetworkID “192.168.1.0/24” -ReplicationScope “Forest”
Add-DnsServerResourceRecordA -Name “ESX1” -ZoneName “Lab.local” -IPv4Address “192.168.1.211” -CreatePtr
Add-DnsServerResourceRecordA -Name “ESX2” -ZoneName “Lab.local” -IPv4Address “192.168.1.212” -CreatePtr
Add-DnsServerResourceRecordA -Name “vCenter” -ZoneName “Lab.local” -IPv4Address “192.168.1.213” -CreatePtr
Add-DnsServerResourceRecordA -Name “vRO” -ZoneName “Lab.local” -IPv4Address “192.168.1.214” -CreatePtr
Add-DnsServerResourceRecordA -Name “vLCM” -ZoneName “Lab.local” -IPv4Address “192.168.1.215” -CreatePtr