How to Install an Additional Domain Controller by Using IFM

When you have a branch office in a country or a town, where you do not have great broadband connection and you need to install a local read only domain controller(RODC) or full domain controller. You could try it by using install from media (IFM) to reduce the traffic during first replication.
Here are the steps you need to follow. Please bear in mind if you create an IFM on Server 2012 then the additional server needs to be the same operating system.

open command prompt or powershell as administrator. I have got a USB flash drive connected to E drive.

type

ntdsutil

activate instance ntds

ifm

create sysvol full e:\ifm  

quit

quit

Now you need to take the USB Flash drive and post it to your office securely or take it with you.

to create an additional domain controller. Similar steps are required to complete the installation.

On additional domain controller install active directory domain services before we start the replication. Open powershell as administrator

Install-windowsfeature AD-Domain-Services

 

Now we need to run another command to copy over ifm folders and promote an additional Domain controller. you could use same powershell window or open a new one and type.

Install-ADDSDomaincontroller -InstallationMediaPath f:\ifm -credential (get-credential mycompany\administrator)

It would ask administrator or your password and safe mode administrator password to confirm the installation.

press Y or A.

Once completed the server would restart to complete the installation.

Now you need to install RSAT tools to manage users and computer

Add-WindowsFeature RSAT-AD-AdminCenter -Restart

Now you could manage and replicate from Head office to your branch office.