Windows Server 2019, Active Directory, and DHCP: A

Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides a detailed overview of setting up and managing Windows Server 2019,
Active Directory (AD), and DHCP, along with practical questions and answers to enhance your
understanding.

1. Windows Server 2019 Overview

What is Windows Server 2019?

Windows Server 2019 is a server operating system from Microsoft designed to support
enterprise-level management and hosting. It offers enhanced security, virtualization capabilities,
and seamless integration with cloud services.

Key Features:

1. Application Hosting: Supports enterprise applications like web

servers and databases.
2. Virtualization: Uses Hyper-V to run multiple VMs on one physical
server.
3. Enhanced Security: Features like Windows Defender ATP and
Shielded VMs.
4. Cloud Integration: Works with Microsoft Azure for hybrid cloud
setups.
5. File and Storage Management: Uses Storage Spaces Direct (S2D)
for high availability.
6. Centralized Administration: Managed via the Windows Admin
Center.
Differences between Standard and Datacenter Editions
Installation Options:

1. Desktop Experience: Full GUI for easy management.

2. Server Core: Command-line interface, more secure and lightweight.
3. Nano Server: Minimal footprint, mainly for container-based
workloads.

2. Installing Windows Server 2019

System Requirements:

 Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit (2 GHz recommended).

 RAM: 512 MB (Server Core), 2 GB (Desktop Experience), 8 GB
recommended.
 Storage: 32 GB minimum, 50 GB or more recommended.
 Network Adapter: Gigabit Ethernet.
 Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot recommended.

Installation Steps:

1. Download ISO: Obtain from the Microsoft website.

2. Create a Bootable USB: Use tools like Rufus.
3. Boot the Server: Set the BIOS to boot from USB.
4. Installation Process:
o Select language, time, and keyboard layout.
o Choose the edition and installation type (e.g., Desktop
Experience).
o Accept the license terms and complete the setup.

3. Active Directory (AD) Overview

What is a Domain Controller (DC)?

A Domain Controller is a server that runs Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS),
responsible for:

 Authentication and Authorization: Verifying user credentials.

 Directory Data Management: Storing user, group, and computer
information.
  Policy Enforcement: Applying Group Policy Objects (GPOs).
 Trust Management: Handling trust relationships between domains.

How to Promote a Server to a Domain Controller:

1. Install AD DS Role:
o Open Server Manager → Add Roles and Features.
o Select Active Directory Domain Services.

2. Promote to Domain Controller:

o Open Server Manager → Click Notifications → Promote this
server to a domain controller.
o Choose Add a new forest and specify the domain name (e.g.,
example.local).
o Set the Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password.
o Complete the installation and restart.

Why Use Multiple Domain Controllers?

 Redundancy: Ensures availability if one DC fails.

 Load Balancing: Distributes authentication requests.
 Replication: Synchronizes data between DCs.
 Improved Performance: Authenticates users from the nearest DC.

What is a Read-Only Domain Controller (RODC)?

An RODC holds a read-only copy of the AD database and is useful in:

 Branch Offices: Where security concerns are high.

 Low-Security Environments: Reduces risk of unauthorized changes.
 Limited Bandwidth Sites: Minimizes replication traffic.

4. Configuring DHCP on Windows Server 2019

What is DHCP?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on

a network.
How to Set Up DHCP:

1. Install DHCP Server Role:

o Open Server Manager → Add Roles and Features.
o Select DHCP Server.

2. Configure a New DHCP Scope:

o Open DHCP Management Console (dhcpmgmt.msc).
o Right-click IPv4 → New Scope.
o Enter a scope name and define an IP range (e.g., 192.168.1.100 to
192.168.1.200).
o Set the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server IP.
o Activate the scope.

5. Group Policy (GPO)

What is Group Policy?

Group Policy is a feature in AD that manages user and computer settings across a domain.

Common Uses:

 Security Policies: Enforcing password complexity.

 Software Deployment: Installing applications automatically.
 User Restrictions: Blocking specific applications or functions.
 Automated Scripts: Running scripts during logon/logoff.

Creating and Applying GPOs:

1. Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC): Run gpmc.msc.

2. Create a New GPO:
o Right-click the domain or OU → Create a GPO.
o Configure settings like password policies or software restrictions.
3. Link the GPO to an OU: Right-click the OU → Link an Existing GPO.
4. Force Update: Run gpupdate /force to apply changes.

6. Practical Scenarios
Scenario 1: Setting Up a New Domain

 Step 1: Assign a static IP to the server.

  Step 2: Install AD DS and promote the server as a Domain Controller.
 Step 3: Configure DNS settings.
 Step 4: Restart and verify the domain setup using dsa.msc.

Scenario 2: Troubleshooting Domain Login Issues

Problem: A user cannot log in to the domain.

Possible Causes:

1. Incorrect Password: Verify user credentials.

2. Network Connectivity: Ping the DC to ensure connectivity.
3. DNS Configuration: Check DNS settings on the client machine.
4. Account Lockout: Inspect user status in Active Directory Users
and Computers.

Scenario 3: Adding a Redundant Domain Controller

1. Install Windows Server on a second machine.

2. Join the Domain: Use the same domain as the existing DC.
3. Install AD DS: Add the AD DS role and promote it as an additional DC.
4. Verify Replication: Run repadmin /replsummary.

SECTION A: Multiple Choice Questions

1. As data moves up through the layers of the OSI model, what happens to the
headers?
o A. Added
o B. Removed
o C. Unchanged
o D. Compressed
o Answer: B. Removed – As data moves up, headers are removed.

2. What type of address does the router examine to forward packets?

o A. Physical
o B. Logical
o C. Application
o D. Transport
o Answer: B. Logical – The router looks at the logical (IP) address.
3. Which layer is responsible for process-to-process delivery of data?
o A. Physical
o B. Data Link
o C. Network
o D. Transport
o Answer: D. Transport – Responsible for process-to-process
delivery.

4. Which of the following statements about IP is correct?

o A. Reliable and connection-oriented
o B. Reliable and connectionless
o C. Unreliable and connection-oriented
o D. Unreliable and connectionless
o Answer: D. None of the above – IP is unreliable and
connectionless.

5. Which OSI layer is closest to the transmission medium?

o A. Physical
o B. Data Link
o C. Network
o D. Application
o Answer: A. Physical – Closest to the transmission medium.

6. Mail services fall under which OSI layer?

o A. Physical
o B. Data Link
o C. Transport
o D. Application
o Answer: C. Transport – Mail services are part of the transport
layer.

7. What happens to headers as data moves down the OSI model?

o A. Added
o B. Removed
o C. Unchanged
o D. Encrypted
o Answer: A. Added – As data moves down, headers are added.

8. Which OSI layer lies between the Network and Application layers?
o A. Data Link
o B. Physical
o C. Transport
o D. Session
o Answer: C. Transport – Lies between Network and Application
layers.
9. Which OSI layer is located between the Physical and Network layers?
o A. Data Link
o B. Application
o C. Transport
o D. Session
o Answer: A. Network – Layer 2 (Data Link) is between Physical
and Network.

10. When Layer 4 on Device A communicates with Layer 4 on Device B, what is this
process called?
o A. Layering
o B. Transport
o C. Encapsulation
o D. Decapsulation
o Answer: B. Transport – Layer 4 on A is read by Layer 4 on B.

11. What does the Physical layer convert bits into?

o A. Data packets
o B. Frames
o C. Signals
o D. Protocols
o Answer: A. Physical – Converts bits to electromagnetic signals.

12. Which of the following is an Application Layer service?

o A. Remote login
o B. File transfer
o C. Mail services
o D. All of the above
o Answer: D. All of the above – Remote login, file transfer, and
mail services are application layer services.

13. Which model organizes network functions into seven layers?

o A. TCP/IP
o B. OSI
o C. ISO
o D. HTTP
o Answer: B. OSI – OSI model organizes network functions.

14. What does the Physical layer move?

o A. Data
o B. Packets
o C. Frames
o D. Bits
o Answer: D. Bits – The physical layer moves bits.

15. Who developed the Windows Server operating system?

 o A. Apple
o B. Microsoft
o C. Linux Foundation
o D. IBM
o Answer: B. Microsoft – Windows Server is developed by
Microsoft.

SECTION B: Theory Questions

1A. What is the difference between Windows Server OS and Linux Server
OS?

Windows Server OS is developed by Microsoft and is known for its GUI and integration with
Active Directory. Linux Server OS, on the other hand, is open-source and highly customizable,
with strong command-line capabilities and multiple distributions.

1B. What is the importance of a server in an infrastructure?

1. Centralized Data Management: Stores and manages data for all

users.
2. Security & Access Control: Provides authentication and
authorization.
3. Resource Sharing: Manages printers, files, and applications.
4. Scalability: Supports multiple users and workloads.
5. Reliability: Ensures data backup, uptime, and system stability.

1C. What is the difference between Server OS and Client OS?

Server OS is designed to manage network resources and provide services to multiple users
simultaneously. Client OS is optimized for personal or single-user environments, with a focus on
usability rather than extensive network management.

1D. What are five roles and features of Microsoft Server OS?

1. Active Directory (AD): Manages domain-based authentication.

2. DHCP Server: Assigns IP addresses automatically.
3. DNS Server: Resolves domain names to IP addresses.
4. File Server: Manages and shares files over a network.
5. Web Server (IIS): Hosts and manages websites.
2A. What is Active Directory (AD)?

Active Directory is a directory service in Windows Server that stores and manages network
resources like users, computers, and policies.

2B. What is a server?

A server is a powerful computer that provides services like data storage, application hosting, and
network management.

2C. What is Active Directory Domain Name System (DNS)?

Active Directory DNS is a system that translates human-readable domain names (e.g.,
google.com) into IP addresses.

2D. What is a system?

A system is a computer or group of computers that operate as a unit to perform specific tasks.

3. What are the minimum hardware requirements for Windows Server 2019?

 Processor: 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor

 RAM: 2 GB for GUI, 512 MB for Core
 Storage: 32 GB minimum
 Network: Gigabit Ethernet adapter
 Firmware: UEFI-based, Secure Boot supported

4. What are the steps to install Microsoft Server OS on a Virtual Machine?

1. Download the Windows Server ISO: Obtain from Microsoft.

2. Install Virtualization Software: Use VMware, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V.
3. Create a New Virtual Machine: Assign CPU, RAM, and disk space.
4. Load ISO Image: Attach the Windows Server ISO to boot the VM.
5. Start Installation: Choose "Install Now" and configure settings.
6. Enter Product Key: Skip if using an evaluation version.
7. Choose Installation Type: Select "Custom" for a fresh install.
8. Partition the Disk: Allocate storage for Windows.
9. Complete Installation: The system will reboot and finalize setup.
5. What is the subnetting of the IP address 192.168.10.0/26?

 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.192

 Block Size: 64 (256 - 192)

Subnet Ranges:

 First Subnet: 192.168.10.0 - 192.168.10.63

 Second Subnet: 192.168.10.64 - 192.168.10.127

Subnet Details for the Second Network:

 First Valid IP: 192.168.10.65

 Last Valid IP: 192.168.10.126
 Broadcast IP: 192.168.10.127
 Valid IP Range: 192.168.10.65 - 192.168.10.126