Home / server / Questions / 108866
Accepted
Mark Arnott
Asked: 2010-02-03 10:30:23 +0800 CST

How to install Active Directory Users and Computers for Windows 2008

  • 772

I want to install the administration tools on a Windows Server 2008 (R1) machine. On Windows 2003 you installed adminpak.msi, but I can't find such a file for 2008.

Is this a "feature" in Server Manager? If so what is it named?

---UPDATE--- So I drilled into the server Features list and I have "Remote Server Administration Tools" but it only includes File Services, Print Services and Web Server.

This is a member server in a domain but not a domain controller. It is Windows 2008 (original) not R2. Still, why can't it run AD users and computers from this machine?

windows-server-2008

6 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    From Server Manager (available under Administrative Tools), go to "Features", then "Add Features".

    Windows Server 2008 Standard Instructions:

    Expand:

    • Remote Server Administration Tools
      • Role Administration Tools
        • Active Directory Domain Services Tools

    Then check Active Directory Domain Controller Tools.

    Windows Server 2008 R2 Instructions:

    Expand:

    • Remote Server Administration Tools
      • Role Administration Tools
        • AD DS and AD LDS Tools
          • AD DS Tools

    Then check AD DS Snap-Ins and Command-Line Tools.

    Feature Includes:

    • Active Directory Users and Computers
    • Active Directory Domains and Trusts
    • Active Directory Sites and Services
    • 34

  2. The first answer from Mathieu Chateau was basically correct, you do not have to dcpromo to get this. however, the role option is "AD DS and AD LDS Tools" not "Active Directory Domain Services Tools"

    Mike

    • 6

  3. I think you're right and that it's a feature under Server Manager. If you dcpromo it, I think they show up automatically based on the roles you give it. But if it's just a member server, you have to install the feature "Remoter Server Administrator Tools". When you expand the tree, you can select AD Domain Services Tools, DNS Server Tools, DHCP, etc. Try looking there, and then make sure that you customize the Start Menu setting so that it shows up.

    Edit: Bah, Joe said it while I was typing this up....

    • 1
    • 0

  5. I believe the MS answer is "Don't manage a domain from a server".

    The reason the RSAT tools are only available for download for the client OS is because that's how you're supposed to manage the whole domain. If you're logging in to a server to do basic domain administrative tasks, you're doing it wrong. The only reason they exist on the DC is because they must be there for initial domain configuration and for troubleshooting and recovery. The general idea is that the only real reason to log on to a server is to install or configure software or updates. Otherwise, if it can be done remotely, do it that way. Honestly, MS should install a "log on reason" just like they have the "shutdown/reboot reason".

    To make a long story short, set up Vista or 7 and administer from there.

    • 0

  6. Launch the server manager and click on the Features See the screenshot

    I thought it will be easier to see the picture

    • -2