Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials unable to install using .com, etc. domain suffix

Solution 1:

Of all the hoops I had to jump through, this was the EASIEST SOLUTION by far:

http://www.em-soft.si/myblog/elvis/?p=403

Just install WS2012R2E, CANCEL the WIZARD, use the Powershell (run as admin), and enter the commands, HIT "Y" to continue (finish) WIZARD.... than VOILA! It's DONE! SIMPLE AS THAT. Why is something that should be SO simple so complicated WITHOUT this? I have NO idea. : (

Open the PowerShell as Administrator and write the syntax:

Start-WssConfigurationService -CompanyName "MyCompany" -DNSName "Internal.MyCompamny.com" -NetBiosName "MyCompany" -ComputerName "MyServer" -NewAdminCredential $cred -Setting All

The explanation of all used switches is available on TechNet. Enter your AD administrator credentials in the window that will appear. This will be the new administrator – the same as you configure it in the Essential server wizard.

CREDIT to Elvis!

Highly disappointed in Microsoft for this. : \