AD installation stalls at the "Creating the NTDS settings object"

I attempted to install AD on a 2nd server so that I could upgrade it to a domain controller. For simplicity purposes I named all of the Admin passwords the same (test environment). I waited 5, 8, 10 minutes and the install would initiate but never complete and stall on the "Creating the NTDS Settings object for this Active Directory Domain Controller on the remote AD DC dc1-full.corp.contoso.com" step. So I searched for various solutions and I found the Microsoft support article 2737935, which states the issue was likely caused by the Default and Domain Admin passwords being the same.

The article also recommended to delete the failed upgrade PC in AD, remove the server from domain, remove AD,  restart and reinstall. I tried those steps several times and I got the same error. I even changed the default Admin passwords and completed the steps in the article. Luckily I did not have much configuration done on that server, so I removed it from AD and the domain. Next I deleted the server all together. Then, I created another server under a similar name and then I was able to install AD and upgrade the new server with no issues. I do not know if changing the Admin passwords helped but I was able to resolve the issue.

Docsis 2 vs Docsis 3 and Beyond

In the market for a new modem? Don’t forget to read the specifications. DOCSIS 2 modems are still in demand and available for purchase. However DOCSIS 3 modems include channel bonding which is a feature that provides much more speed capability. Channel bonding using multiple frequency channels on a modem to transmit data, thereby increasing the overall download and upload speed. For example the ARRIS Surfboard 32X Cable Modem - White (SB6190) is listed as a “32X”, which means 8 downstream by 4 upstream channels.-1 No, 32X isn’t the highest there are 256x modems available for gigabit speeds.

For the average user I would recommend a DOCSIS 3 modem. Although most users don’t require speeds in excess of 30 Mbps for future assurance of quality service, you should choose a DOCSIS 3 or higher. To me, the best thing about DOCSIS 3 is that you have the ability to maintain consistent download/upload speeds during peak service times with channel bonding.-2 Check with your internet provider to determine which channel bonding combination is best for your desired speed.

1- http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/24802/~/DOCSIS -2-vs.-DOCSIS -3-differences?cid=wmt_netgear_organic
2- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4-9ZtThZHs (great description of channel bonding)
3- Based on the specifications of the ARRIS / Motorola SURFboard SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem
4- Based on the specifications of the ARRIS - SURFboard 600 Series DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem – White - 32x