> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ajmal-anwar.gitbook.io/zyberspace-by-ajmal/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ajmal-anwar.gitbook.io/zyberspace-by-ajmal/zyberlab/01-lab-setup/pre-ad-checkpoint.md).

# Pre-Active Directory Checkpoint

Before installing Active Directory, verify that the base lab is stable.

This checkpoint prevents basic VM or network problems from being confused with Active Directory problems later.

## Systems Required

Both virtual machines should be available:

```
DC01
CLIENT01
```

## Check DC01

Confirm that:

* Windows Server starts normally
* the computer name is `DC01`
* you can sign in with the local Administrator account
* VMware Tools is installed and working
* the network adapter is connected
* the system has a valid IPv4 address
* the clean-install snapshot exists

## Check CLIENT01

Confirm that:

* Windows starts normally
* the computer name is `CLIENT01`
* you can sign in with a local lab account
* VMware Tools is installed and working
* the network adapter is connected
* the system has a valid IPv4 address
* the clean-install snapshot exists

## Check Networking

On both systems, run:

```
ipconfig
```

Confirm that the VMs are connected to the intended VMware network.

Then test the VMware gateway:

```
ping <default-gateway>
```

Check VM-to-VM communication where possible.

If ICMP is blocked by Windows Firewall, document that rather than disabling security controls without understanding why.

## Record a Simple Baseline

Keep a small note similar to this:

| Item             | DC01                | CLIENT01            |
| ---------------- | ------------------- | ------------------- |
| Computer name    | DC01                | CLIENT01            |
| Operating system | Windows Server      | Windows client      |
| IPv4 address     | Record actual value | Record actual value |
| Network mode     | NAT                 | NAT                 |
| Snapshot         | Clean Install       | Clean Install       |

Do not publish real production addressing or sensitive environment details in public documentation. Lab-only private addressing is generally safe to document, but examples can still be generalized when sharing screenshots publicly.

## Ready for the Next Stage

If the checks above pass, the base environment is ready.

The next stage will turn `DC01` into a domain controller and introduce:

1. a static IP address for `DC01`
2. Active Directory Domain Services
3. DNS
4. a new lab domain
5. a domain user
6. a security group
7. joining `CLIENT01` to the domain

That will become the first complete Windows and Active Directory security environment in ZyberLab.