How to Create a New Forward Lookup Zone in Active Directory-Integrated DNS

A forward lookup zone is the most common type of DNS (Domain Name System) zone. DNS clients use forward lookup zones to obtain such information as IP (Internet Protocol) addresses that correspond to DNS domain names or services that are stored in the zone. Note that you will need to convert a DNS primary server to "Active Directory (AD) Integrated" in order to create a forward lookup zone. You will need administrative rights to perform this task.

Instructions

Convert DNS Primary Server to Active Directory Integrated

1. Launch "DNS Manager" from the Start menu of your current DNS server.

2. Right-click your DNS zone and choose "Properties."

3. Click the "General" tab. Click the "Change" button.

4. Check "Store the zone in Active Directory (available only if DNS server is a domain controller)" check box.

5. Click "Yes" when asked if you want this zone to become Active Directory integrated. Click "OK."

Create a Forward Lookup Zone

1. Click the Start menu and point to "Administrative Tools." Click "DNS." This will open a new console.

2. Click the DNS Server object for your server in the left pane. Double-click to expand your server object.

3. Right-click "Forward Lookup Zones" and choose "New Zone." This will launch a new wizard. Click "Continue" to proceed.

4. Click "Primary zone." Click "Next." Type a name for the zone. Click "Next."

5. Accept the default file name for the new zone file. Click "Next" and then "Finish" to end the task.

References

• Microsoft: Create a New Zone on a DNS Server in Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft: Convert Primary DNS Server to Active Directory Integrated Primary
• Microsoft: Managing a Forward Lookup Zone