How to Access Active Directory in Windows Server 2008

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

The Active Directory (AD) is a directory service included in the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 operating system. The Active Directory acts as a central hub from which network administrators can perform a variety of tasks related to network management. An administrator may wish to access the Active Directory in order to set security policies, manage user accounts, store data and settings, or deploy and update software across a network. There are different methods for accessing the Active Directory in Server 2008, depending on which programs are installed on a particular server. Use these steps to access the Active Directory in Windows Server 2008.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Open the Active Directory in Windows Server 2008 Using the Default Configuration

1
Access the Active Directory in Windows Server 2008 by opening the Active Directory Administrative Center. The Active Directory Administrative Center is the Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the Active Directory.
- Click Start to open the Start Menu from the desktop.
- Left-click on the Administrative Tools option from the Start Menu and select the Active Directory Administration Center.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Open the Active Directory in Windows Server 2008 When Microsoft's Active Directory Explorer Is Installed

1
Access the Active Directory in Active Directory Explorer (AD Explorer). Administrators will use AD Explorer to open the Active Directory when this application is installed. AD Explorer is an enhanced Active Directory viewer and editor application created by Microsoft. AD Explorer can be downloaded free of charge from the Microsoft website.
- Click on the Start Menu from the desktop and point to the All Programs option.
- Locate and select Active Directory Explorer from the list of available programs found in the All Programs menu.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Open the Active Directory in Windows Server 2008 with Exchange Server

1
Access the Active Directory using Microsoft Exchange whenever Exchange Server is installed on your network.
- Click Start to open the Start menu from the desktop.
- Point to All Programs from the Start Menu and select Exchange Server from the list of programs.

Warnings

Create a comprehensive back-up of your server and network settings before making any changes to your current configuration. Failing to do so may lead to the loss of important data and or cause unwanted changes. Be sure to set up a restore point using System Restore prior to installing new programs or making major adjustments to your current system settings.

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