How To Configure DNS Server on Windows Server 2003

How To Configure DNS Server on Windows Server 2003

 

Configure the DNS Server

To function properly, a DNS server requires a forward lookup zone for its local domain to host the locator records. A forward lookup zone contains information that is necessary to resolve names in the DNS domain. You may also want to configure a reverse lookup zone so that users can determine the name of a local resource based on its IP address. Additionally, to keep the administration of your DNS service as simple as possible, configure these zones to accept dynamic updates.

After you have installed the DNS service, use the Configure a DNS Server Wizard to configure the DNS service.

How to Configure the DNS Service

1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click DNS.
2. Right-click ServerName, where ServerName is the name of the server, and then click Configure a DNS Server.
   
   The Configure a DNS Server Wizard starts.
3. Click DNS Checklists, read the DNS checklists, and then click Next.
4. Click one of the following, based on the role of the DNS server, and then click Next:
   • Create a forward lookup zone (recommended for small networks). Use this option for a small network that uses Active Directory or that uses an Internet service provider (ISP) to resolve DNS name queries. By using this option, you can:
     • Create a DNS zone for the DNS domain that corresponds to an Active Directory domain that is used by your network.
     • Create a secondary zone for the DNS zone hosted by a DNS server at your ISP.
   • Create forward and reverse lookup zones (recommended for large networks). Use this option if you are adding a DNS server to a large network with an existing DNS infrastructure. By using this option, you can:
     • Create forward and reverse lookup zones to resolve queries for resources in a DNS domain in your DNS namespace.
     • Specify the DNS servers to use as forwarders where name queries that this DNS server cannot answer will be sent.
     • Specify the replication scope for the zones that you are creating if this DNS server is running on an Active Directory domain controller.
     • Specify the DNS servers to use as forwarders where name queries that this DNS server cannot answer will be sent.
     • Configure dynamic updates for the zones that you are creating.
   • Configure root hints only (recommended for advanced users only. Use this option if you want to create a forward-only DNS server or add root hints to a DNS server that is currently configured with a zone and forwarders.
5. Follow the instructions on the remaining pages of the wizard to configure your DNS server.