How to Configure Forward Lookup Zone in Server 2012 R2

In this article we will learn how to configure forward lookup zone in windows server and in this case we will use windows server 2012 R2 as an example since zone initiated with the single DNS domain name and we can add other domains under the first (initial) domains and moreover the other added domains can be part of the same zone or they can either be added to another zone.

Subdomain can get the support if another zone is created as it has the authorities name servers for the zone. Let’s start the process of configuring the forward lookup zone in our windows server since forward lookup zone is mainly used to resolve the hostname to IP address and the best thing about it that it is automatically installed we only have to install DNS and configure the forward lookup zone for the member servers.

Log into the windows server, Press “win+R” to open the run window and write “dnsmgmt.msc”

Hit enter and it will open up the main window of DNS manager.

In the left pane expand the name of computer as in this case it is “Usamaserver1”

Right-click on forward lookup zone and click the first option “New Zone”

It will open up the new window console.

Click next as will bring up the zone type selection window.

Let primary zone be selected and uncheck the last option.

Click next and it will ask for the zone name, enter the name accordingly as I will be using avoiderrors.net as an example.

Since we are creating the new DNS so select the first option “create a new file with this file name”.

Click next and select the second option in the next window since it will automatically update the records of the client machines.

After clicking next it will take you to the next window where you have to press Finish to complete this task.

It will open the DNS manager window and from there you can confirm if new forward lookup zone is created or not.

Right-click on a newly created zone and select “New Host (A or AAAA)…” so that It can be used to resolve hostname to IP.

Enter the server name and IP.

Click add host and once a record is successfully created it will pop up a confirmation window.

You can check whether the desired settings are created or not just select the time zone.

This is how forward lookup zone can be configured in windows server.