1-2

Installing and Configuring Servers

Module Overview

This module explains how to identify the appropriate usage scenario and
installation type for a server and then install and configure appropriate server roles
and features.

Installing and Configuring Servers

1-3

Lesson 1

Installing Windows Server 2008

Installing Windows Server 2008 has changed somewhat from previous Windows
Server versions. The options available vary from a simple DVD-based install, to
using answer files created with Windows System Image Manager (SIM) and
automating deployment using the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK).
The installation process no longer includes the text mode portion of setup and is
completely GUI-based. Another difference is that the Standard, Enterprise, and
DataCenter editions all are included on a single 32-bit or 64-bit DVD. The version
that is installed depends on the installation key that you use during the installation
process.

1-4

Installing and Configuring Servers

Windows Server 2008 Editions

Key Points
There are five available editions of Windows Server 2008. The edition that you
choose will depend upon the business requirements that you need to address.
Windows Server 2008 helps information technology (IT) professionals increase
the flexibility of their server infrastructure while offering developers a more robust
Web and applications platform for building connected applications and services.
Powerful new management tools and security enhancements offer more server and
network control, and provide advanced protection for applications and data.

Installing and Configuring Servers

1-5

Windows Server 2008 Installation Requirements

Key Points
Installation requirements for Windows Server 2008 vary between the different
installation types, namely the full installation or the Server Core installation. Server
Core requires less disk space for the operating systems installation because, by
default, only the modules that the assigned roles require are installed. Additionally,
the GUI is not installed, which means that disk space utilization is lighter with the
Server Core installation.

Note: If you are installing a 64-bit version, you must make sure that all kernel mode
drivers are digitally signed prior to installing. The installation will fail if you use
unsigned drivers.

Additional Resources:

Windows Server 2008 Technical Library

1-6

Installing and Configuring Servers

x64 Installation Considerations

Key Points
You may have to include 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2008 in your
infrastructure, depending on the companys needs. For example, some network
services, such as Exchange Server 2007, are supported only in a 64-bit production
environment and therefore will be supported only for 64-bit versions of Windows
Server 2008 running on 64-bit architecture.
Installing a 64-bit version may offer the ability to scale up (more CPUs and RAM)
more than a 32-bit system allows, you must ensure that the kernel mode drivers
that you will use are all digitally signed.

Additional Resources:

Windows Server 2008 Technical Library

Digital Signatures for Kernel Modules on x64-based Systems Running

Windows Vista

Installing and Configuring Servers

1-7

Common Installation Scenarios

Key Points
Whether you choose to upgrade an existing server or perform a clean installation,
you must decide how you will perform server installations in your environment.
There are particular upgrade paths that you must follow, and you can perform
unattended installations by using answer files, Windows SIM, and the Windows
AIK.
Back up your servers before you upgrade. Your backup should include all data and
configuration information that is necessary for the computer to function. It is
important to perform a backup of server configuration information, especially for
those servers that provide network infrastructure, such as Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers. When you perform the backup, be sure to
include the boot and system partitions, and the system state data. Another way to
back up configuration information is to create a backup set for Automated System
Recovery.

1-8

Installing and Configuring Servers

Additional Resources:

Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) User's Guide for Windows Vista

Windows Vista Deployment Step by Step Guide

Windows Server 2008 Technical Library

Installing and Configuring Servers

1-9

Preparing for the Installation of Windows Server 2008

Key Points
Before installing Windows Server 2008, you must follow some general guidelines
to ensure that the installation is as smooth as possible and that installation errors
do not arise. Most of these guidelines are best practices for any installation of
Microsoft operating systems, and therefore should be included in any build guides
that are created for most environments.
Before you install Windows Server 2008, use the following guidelines to prepare
for the installation:

Check for application compatibility.

Disconnect UPS devices.

Back up your servers.

Disable your virus protection software.

Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.

1-10

Installing and Configuring Servers

Provide mass storage drivers.

Be aware that Windows Firewall is on by default.

Prepare your Active Directory environment with Windows Server 2008

updates.

Additional Resources:

Web Server

Help and Support on the Install now page of Windows Server 2008 Setup
wizard

Installing and Configuring Servers

1-11

Process for Installing Windows Server 2008

Key Points
The process for installing Windows Server 2008 is much the same as in previous
versions of the operating system. However, there are differences that make the
process more customizable and easier to accomplish than previous versions. One
significant change is the volume licensing model that Microsoft uses with the
server product. The license model for volume licensing is the same as the model
that Windows Vista operating systems use.

Additional Resources:

Windows Server "Longhorn" Beta 3 Server Manager Technical Overview

Windows Server 2008: Server Manager