Question : Parent and Child DNS Issues (With Pics)

Hi, i've attached an image of the parent DNS and Child DNS, il explain the names
Parent Domain = exchange.com
DC = example-dc

Child domain = child1.exchange.com
DC = child1-dc

I have a server which i am trying to add to the child1.exchange.com domain and it keeps failing, im assuming because the dns does not have the appropriate records ie _msdcs, _sites, _tcp and _udp.

When setting up a child domain should i have DNS installed before i use dcpromo? or do i setup the DC (Pointing the DNS to the parent) and then setup the DNS later

PS In the Parent DNS i an see a folder called child1 (This was created when i added the child domain, can someone explain what it is and what i should do with it, is it a delegated zone area?)

Thanks Again

Answer : Parent and Child DNS Issues (With Pics)

install it before and configure it to point to the parent domain for DNS. But if you configure a secondary DNS zone on your to be child domain before it promoting it, you can point the preferred DNS to itself before promoting to a DC. This way you don't rely on forwder. Forwarder is more appropriate for external DNS or DNS in DMZ where usually tougher to get a seocndary or stub zone locally. But in your case, creating a secondard will solve many other issue before and after and when your parent DNS is not available.