Active Directory: installation and configuration of a domain controller

In this tutorial, we will see how to set up an Active Directory domain.

In summary, an Active Directory is a database (LDAP) that contains a set of objects (users, computers, etc.) and delivers several services:

Centralization of objects on the network in a single database
User Authentication
Rights management
Policy Application (GPO)




Active Directory: retrieve the base DN (distinguishedName) attribute of an object

In this tutorial, I will explain how to retrieve the base DN also called distinguishedName in an Active Directory. This attribute is often used to configure LDAP/Active Directory bindings for applications. All Active Directory objects (Users, Computers, Organizational Unit, etc.) have the attribute: distinguishedName and this is unique. I say that the base DN attribute …

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Active Directory: create an organizational unit (OU) in PowerShell

In this “How to” tutorial, we will see how to create an Organizational Unit in an Active Directory with the New-ADOrganizationalUnit cmdlet. Create an OU in PowerShell Open a PowerShell command prompt From a domain controller open a PowerShell window Use the New-ADOrganizationalUnit Cmdlet to Create the OU Enter the following command by adapting the …

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Active Directory: Add an organizational unit – OU

In this “How to” tutorial, we will see how to create an Organizational Unit in an Active Directory with the Active Directory Users and Computers console available on domain controllers in graphical mode. Add an OU in the Active Directory Open the Active Directory Users and Computer console From a domain controller, open the Active …

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ADFS Proxy: Fix Error 0x8007520c

In this tutorial, I will tell you how to fix error 0x8007520c on an ADFS proxy server. When you open the Remote Access Management Console console, the following page is displayed: This error occurs during a certificate change and the proxy does not have the same fingerprint as the ADFS server. The easiest way to …

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GPO: configure default programs

In this tutorial, I will explain how to configure the default applications (browser, PDF reader…) using a Group Policy (GPO) in an Active Directory environment. Puzzle of IT services, it is the use of default programs for certain types of files (PDF, Images) or even Internet browser, the configuration of such a group strategy allows …

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GPO: schedule the automatic shutdown of computers

In this tutorial, I will walk you through how to schedule computers to automatically shut down using Group Policy. In fact, there is no native functionality in Windows to shut down computers, but we will use Group Policy to deploy a scheduled task to Active Directory domain member computers that will shut them down. Often …

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Delete a DNS zone on Windows Server

In this tutorial, I will explain how to delete a DNS zone on Windows Server. Open the DNS administration console On the Windows server, open the DNS administration console, it is accessible by the server manager by clicking on Tools then on DNS. View DNS Zones In the administration console, expand the Forward lookup zones …

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GPO: force updates from the console

Since Windows 2012, it is possible to force the update of group policies from the Group Policy Management console. It is no longer necessary to go through all the computers and do a gpudapte. To work, the firewall must allow RPC calls to pass. Force update of GPOs remotely 1. Open the Group Policy Management …

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DFS: delete a namespace on Windows Server

In this tutorial, I will explain how to delete a DFS namespace on Windows Server. In the vast majority of cases, you won’t normally need this tutorial 😉 Although this operation is relatively simple to perform using the graphical interface, it sometimes happens that it does not go as planned, especially if you have planned …

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DNS: delete a record on Windows Server

In this “How To” tutorial, I will explain how to delete a DNS record on Windows Server with the DNS Manager console. Delete a DNS record Open the DNS Manager console On a server where the DNS Manager console is installed, open it and go to the zone where you want to delete the record. …

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