Hands-On Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Chapter 2 Installing Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition

2 Objectives Prepare for a Windows Server 2003 installation Explain and perform the different Windows Server 2003 installation methods, such as attended, unattended, and upgrades Install and manage service packs Create an Automated System Recovery set Troubleshoot installation problems Uninstall Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition

3 Preparing for Installation Identify hardware requirements and compatibility. Choose a file system. Choose a licensing mode. Decide which protocols to install. Determine domain or workgroup membership.

4 Hardware Requirements Computer should exceed the minimum requirements

5 Hardware Compatibility Check the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) for Windows Server –Most recent hardware compatibility list is on the Microsoft Web site: Look for “Designed for Windows Server 2003” logos on products. Upgrade the BIOS if necessary. –Determine the BIOS version. –Check with the computer manufacturer for compatibility and upgrade files.

6 Determining Disk Partitioning Options Setup program determines current partitions. Setup present options for partitioning hard disk. –Create a new partition on an unpartitioned hard disk. Only create the operating system partition during Setup. Add other partitions with Disk Management later. –Create a new partition on a partitioned hard disk. –Install on an existing partition. –Delete an existing partition. Check partitioning with the Disk Management Snap-in if upgrading from Windows 2000 Server.

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9 Choosing a File System File systems format the hard disk. Windows Server 2003 supports FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS. NTFS is recommended because of advanced features such as: –Security and encryption –File compression –POSIX support –Indexing NTFS is required for hosting Active Directory.

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11 File Systems (cont.) Use the convert utility to move from FAT32 to NTFS after installation.

12 Choosing a Licensing Mode Purchase a client access license (CAL) after installation. –CAL’s give a client permission to connect to a Windows Server 2003 computer. Two licensing modes: –Per server –Per seat Per seat is preferred for companies with more than one server.

13 Making a Protocol Selection The default protocol setup: –TCP/IP with an assumed DHCP server –Used on most networks Additional protocols can be configured after installation. NetBEUI is not supported by Windows Server 2003 or by Windows XP Professional. –Convert to TCP/IP before upgrade.

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15 Determining Membership Workgroup –Provide name of workgroup. Domain –Provide DNS name of domain. –Create a computer account. –Verify that one domain controller and DNS server are present.

16 Overview of Installation Methods –CD-ROM –Network –Upgrade –Unattended Installation files –Winnt for CD-ROM or network installation, or for Windows operating systems before Windows 95 –Winnt32 for operating systems Windows 95 or higher Windows NT must have Service Pack 5 or higher.

17 Switches Winnt and Winnt32 support switches to customize installation. /s –Specifies location of installation files /a –Initiate accessibility options /checkupgradeonly –Checks compatibility /? –Command-line Help

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19 CD-ROM Installation Verify that the computer’s BIOS boots from CD-ROM. Insert installation CD-ROM into drive. Turn off power. Turn on power and boot from CD-ROM. Follow the instructions of the Setup program.

20 Network Installation Copy installation files to a host computer. –First create a shared network folder on the host. Share the host’s folder and assign read permissions. Connect to the shared folder from the target computer. Run Winnt.exe or Winnt32.exe with any desired switches. Follow Setup instructions.

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23 Installing from an Existing Operating System Upgrades are possible from the following: –Windows NT Server 4.0 (running Service Pack 5 or higher) –Windows 2000 Server Steps to begin upgrade: –Boot the current OS. –Insert the installation CD-ROM. –Choose the Upgrade option on the Setup screen. –Keep existing settings and applications.

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25 Unattended Installation Usually performed via a network installation Before installation, specify a set of parameters in an answer file. –The answer file contains responses to questions asked during installation. No license agreement is presented during Setup.

26 Performing a CD-based Attended Installation Boot from the Standard Edition CD-ROM. Installation Setup process is similar for all methods. First phase of Setup: –Inspect configuration and load files. –Display license agreement. –Scan hard drive to determine OS, partitions, and file systems. –Prompt user to choose partition and file system. Partition is formatted with file system.

27 Performing a CD-based Attended Installation (cont.) Second phase of Setup prompts user for: –Language, date, time, and network settings –Product Key –Licensing mode –Computer name, Administrator account, and password –Domain or workgroup membership Setup completes installation. –Installs and registers selected components. –Installs Start menu items. –Saves settings and removes temporary files.

28 Performing an Unattended Installation Create an answer file. –Use a text editor or Setup Manager Wizard. Option to use answer file with booting –Save the answer file as Winnt.sif on a floppy disk. –Boot from CD-ROM. –Insert floppy after first Setup screen. Option to specify components –Create a Cmdlines.txt file to use with the answer file. Use the Sysprep.exe or Syspart.exe programs to clone server operating systems.

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32 Upgrading a Windows NT Server and Domain Two methods: –Upgrade member servers first. –Upgrade domain controllers first. Guidelines –Schedule the upgrade during minimal access times. –Back up each server and registry. –Create an emergency repair disk. –If upgrading domain controllers first, then: Take one BDC out of production as a backup. Upgrade the PDC first.

33 Upgrading a Windows NT Server and Domain (cont.) Installation steps: –Start Winnt32.exe. –Select Upgrade during Setup and retain existing settings. –Upgrade Active Directory with the Active Directory Installation Wizard. –After installation, convert the domain to either Windows 2000 native mode or to Windows.NET mode.

34 Installing and Managing Service Packs Download the latest service pack from the Microsoft Web site. –Check regularly for updates to correct security issues and improve performance. Review the documentation on installation procedures and problems. Perform a full backup on a production server. Alert clients to the installation schedule. After installation, document problems and solutions.

35 Creating an Automated System Recovery Set An ASR set contains two components for system recovery: –Backup of all system files (1.5 GB or more) –Backup of system settings (approx MB) ASR does not back up application data files. Create an ASR with the Backup utility. Make a new ASR set each time there is an important change to the server. –Adding protocols –Installing new drivers

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37 Troubleshooting Installation Problems Most installations problems are related to hardware or hardware drivers. Many issues can be avoided by testing hardware and performing diagnostics before installation. Find solutions through documentation.

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39 Uninstalling Window Server 2003, Standard Edition Back up important data. Boot from the CD-ROM of the new operating system. –Can also boot from the Windows Server 2003 CD- ROM and exit Setup after deleting the partition Restart the computer. Choose to delete and/or format the partition on which Standard Edition is installed. Install the new operating system.

40 Summary Preinstallation tasks: –Verify hardware is compatible through the HCL. –Determine system configurations. Installation methods: –CD-ROM –Network –Upgrade From Windows NT Server 4.0 with Server Pack or higher, or Windows Server 2000 Server –Unattended Create an answer file to automate the installation.

41 Summary Upgrading a Windows NT 4.0 domain: –Begin with member servers or domain controllers. –PDC should be upgraded first. Service packs should be installed to fix any known problems. Create an ASR set after installation. Uninstalling Windows Server 2003: –Repartition and format the hard drive. –Install the new operating system.