Question : Do I have to configure DNS prior DCPROMO?

I am installing the FIRST DC in a NEW AD Domain, in a NEW TREE, in a NEW FOREST. What I used to do is to configure DNS server first and the ndo DCPROMO. Like in the article http://www.petri.co.il/how_to_install_active_directory_on_windows_2003.htm

But today, I forgot to install and configure DNS fist and just run DCPROMO. I got interrupted. There are 3 option as shown in the picture. if I hit the 2nd option, I will be able to finish DCPROMO. But the thing is I noticed in DNS server console, there is extra folder _msdcs which I wouldn't have if I were to setup DNS server first. What is that? and is there any side effect?

Answer : Do I have to configure DNS prior DCPROMO?

You need the _mscds zone, it is replicated forest wide, in your case only domain as you have a single domain

John has a good explanation here

http://windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/43039/q-whats-the-dns-_msdcs-zone-for-the-forest-root-domain-used-for.html

The DC GUID (also referred to as DSA GUIDs) are registered there, Jorge has more info on that here: http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/jorge/archive/2006/12/09/DSA_2D00_GUIDs-and-Invocation-IDs.aspx

Thanks

Mike