How to Test DNS in AD

Check the Active Directory with a Microsoft utility.

The DNSLint program is a Microsoft Windows utility that diagnoses common Domain Name System issues in Active Directory, DNS servers and potential causes of lame delegation. By using different switches, you have the option to run different tests. You use the /ad switch to check the Active Directory for DNS records that are replicated, the /d switch to diagnose cause of lame delegation and other related DNS problems and the /ql switch to verify a user-defined set of DNS records on multiple DNS servers. You can download this utility through the Microsoft website.

Instructions

1. Create a new folder on your desktop by right-clicking on any blank space on the desktop, select "New," then "Folder." Name the folder whatever you want. Download the DNSLint Utility (see Resources). Save the file to the new folder you just created on your desktop. Once the download is completed, open the folder and double-click on the installation link. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the file on your computer.

2. Click "Start" and type "cmd" in the search box. A blank window opens.

3. Type dnslint /ad /s /localhost /v at the command prompt in the blank window and press "Enter" to verify Active Directory DNS records on the local server. Once the test is completed, DNSLint produces an HTML report on your screen showing you the test results.

References

• Microsoft Support: Description of the DNSLint Utility

Resources

• DNSLint