Objective:

Create a read-only copy of the DNS zone contoso.com on SRV2.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using a Secondary Zone

✅ Step 1: Log in to SRV2

Log in to SRV2 (where you want to host the secondary zone) using an account with local administrative privileges.

✅ Step 2: Open DNS Manager

Press Windows + R, type dnsmgmt.msc, and press Enter.

✅ Step 3: Create a Secondary Zone

In the DNS Manager, expand the server node for SRV2.

Right-click Forward Lookup Zones and select New Zone.

The New Zone Wizard opens.

✅ Step 4: Configure the Secondary Zone

Zone Type:

Select Secondary zone and click Next.

Zone Name:

Type contoso.com and click Next.

Master DNS Servers:

Enter the IP address of the master DNS server that hosts the primary zone (e.g., SRV1’s IP).

Click Next.

Finish:

Review the settings and click Finish.

✅ Step 5: Allow Zone Transfers on the Primary Server

On SRV1 (or the DNS server hosting the primary zone):

Open DNS Manager.

Right-click the contoso.com zone and select Properties.

Go to the Zone Transfers tab.

Check Allow zone transfers.

Specify SRV2’s IP address (or allow to any server if needed).

✅ Step 6: Verify Zone Replication

On SRV2, refresh the Forward Lookup Zones in DNS Manager.

The contoso.com zone should now appear as a Secondary zone.

Check the Zone Transfer status to ensure it successfully replicated.