Windows Server Active Directory Lab

🚀 Project Summary

Built and configured a Windows Server 2025 Active Directory environment using Oracle VirtualBox.
This lab demonstrates hands-on experience with domain controller setup, DNS configuration, Group Policy, and troubleshooting real-world system failures.

🧠 Skills Demonstrated

• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
• DNS Configuration
• Group Policy Management
• Windows Server Administration
• Virtualization (Oracle VirtualBox)
• Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

🧪 Lab Environment

• Hypervisor: Oracle VirtualBox
• Server OS: Windows Server 2025 (Desktop Experience)
• Client OS: Windows 10/11 (planned)
• CPU: 2 cores
• RAM: 4 GB
• Disk: 50 GB
• Network: NAT

⚙️ Server Configuration

• Renamed server to WS2025-DC01
• Configured static IP address
• Set DNS to the local server

🏢 Active Directory Setup

• Installed Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
• Created new forest (lab.local)
• Promoted server to Domain Controller
• Configured Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM)

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Windows Server 2025

• Oracle VirtualBox

• Windows 10/11 (Client Machine)

• Active Directory Domain Services

• DNS Server

  ⚠️ Key Challenges & Solutions

Disk Partition Error During Installation

• Cause: Improper disk initialization
• Fix: Deleted all partitions and allowed automatic setup
• Result: Successful installation

Server Core Installed Instead of Desktop Experience

• Cause: Incorrect OS selection
• Fix: Reinstalled using the Desktop Experience option
• Result: Full GUI access restored

UEFI Boot Failure

• Cause: Boot mode mismatch in VirtualBox
• Fix: Disabled EFI and adjusted boot order
• Result: System booted successfully

📸 Lab Screenshots

Active Directory Domain Services Installation

Organizational Unit Creation

User Creation

Created a test user within Active Directory to simulate identity management.

Active Directory Users & Computers

Static IP Configuration

Configured a static IP address to ensure consistent network communication and proper DNS functionality.

🎯 Final Outcome

Successfully deployed a fully functional Active Directory lab environment, including:

• Domain Controller setup
• DNS configuration
• User and group management
• Group Policy enforcement
• This project demonstrates foundational system administration skills applicable to enterprise environments.

This environment simulates real-world enterprise infrastructure and prepares for system administration roles.

🔮 Future Improvements

• Add the client machine and join it to the domain
• Implement Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
• Configure file sharing and permissions
• Automate setup using PowerShell scripts
• Integrate with Azure AD (Hybrid Identity)