Install Central Administration Site (CAS)

Now that all of the preparation is complete, it is finally time to install the actual Microsoft Configuration Manager Site. While the setup of the Central Administration Site and the Child Primary Sites are very similar, there is enough key differences where I will document them separately. Especially since a lot of time can be saved by using the cd.latest  to set up the primaries. If you have been following along, the download media should already be complete from extending the AD Schema. If not, download the install for the Evaluation copy.

1. Navigate to the extracted setup folder and launch splash.hta.
2. I will be clicking Install, but it is worth noting that you can also run the prereq check, download the prereq files, install the console, or download the System Center Updates Publisher (SCUP) for managing 3rd party updates.
3. Review the Before You Begin notifications and click Next.
4. As this is the CAS, select ' Install a Configuration Manager cental administration site' and click Next.
5. Select install the evaluation edition of the product. and click Next. Like with SQL you could alternatively enter the product key to activate.
6. Accept the three licenses and click Next.
7. Specify a folder to download the required additional files and click Next. Note: the wizard will not create the folder if it does not already exist. This downloads additional language packs, hotfixes, and other installer files and should only take a couple of minutes.
8. Select the desired language(s) and click Next.
9. Specify a site code (this must be 3 characters, unique in your environment, and can't be changed). Specify a name for the site which can be longer. Specify the installation path and verify the console will be installed before clicking Next.
10. This is the first site in a new hierarchy so click Next.
11. Validate the FQDN of the SQL server. It defaults to the local system and since we are collocating SQL and MCM on the same server and the default instance, nothing needs to be changed.
12. Specify the path to the database and log files and click Next.
13. Validate the FQDN of the SMS Provider.
14. Review the 'Diagnostic and Usage Data' disclaimer and click Next.
15. Allow the connection for the Service Connection Point which will allow in console updates to be downloaded.
16. Review the summary and click Next.
17. The Prerequisite Check will run. Review any warnings and take action if needed. Otherwise, click Begin Install.
18. The Installation does take a while, so it is a good time to step way once it is starts. My server isn't the greatest hardware, but it usually takes at least 30 minutes. You can review the logs in the root of C:.
19. Once the primary parts are completed and you can open the console and start using it. There are some additional steps that will run, so I prefer waiting until it is all completed..