How to Install Windows Server 2008

Plan your Windows Server 2008 install in two phases.  Think of the first phase as a simple, plain install of a Microsoft member server.  Think of the second phase as tuning that member server for a specific role, for example, Domain Controller, Terminal Server or a File and Print server.

Installation of Windows Server 2008 Phase One

Microsoft products have their weaknesses, but installation is not one of them.  If you have installed Vista, then phase one of installing Windows Server 2008 will be very similar, no text mode, all done via a GUI.  All that you need is the Product Key, genuine of course, and a plan to either leave the default language as English US, or change the keyboard layout to English UK, French, German or some other language.

Which of the 5 editions is right for you?

1. Standard
2. Enterprise
3. DataCenter
4. Web
5. Itanium

On surprise is that that the Standard, Enterprise, and DataCenter editions all are included on the same DVD. The version that is installed depends on the installation key that you use during the installation process.  However there is a separate DVD for 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2008.  Please note that 64-bit version is an absolute requirement for Exchange 2007.  Also be aware the 64-bit requires digitally signed drivers.

Requirements

Minimum  Recommend  Optimal
Processor: 1 Ghz      2 Ghz       3 Ghz
RAM Mem: 512 Gb    2 Gb         Depends on the edition
Disk Space:  8 Gb    40 Gb       80 Gb

Also common sense actions, disable UPS, remove any anti-virus software, realize once get the GUI, the firewall is active by default.

Installation of Windows Server 2008 Phase Two

The secret of installation phase two is to embrace the wizards, welcome the ICT (Initial Configuration Tasks) console and savour the organizational benefit of the Server Manager.  Once you realise that these tools are to help you become an efficient, knowledgeable Windows Server 2008 administrator, then the installation battle of phase two is won.  Sit back and imagine that you are a general.  Now command your troops in the ICT console and the Server Manager to configure the new 2008 server to your wishes.

First Logon

Note this simple, but vital task at first logon – remember YOUR Administrator’s password.  You get the chance to set the Administrator password at first logon, if you have lots of passwords, you need a secure, but foolproof method of remembering this crucial password.  There is nothing more embarrassing than spending a morning configuring the server, only return after lunch to find that the screen kicked in, locked your server and you have forgotten the password.  I only ever made this mistake once!

Three tasks in the ICT manager:

You can trace the evolution of the ICT (Initial Configuration Tasks) manager from Windows Server 2000’s: ‘Manage your server’ and Server 2003 RC2’s: ‘Post-Setup Security Updates’.  The difference is that now we really need to refer to the ICT and abandon our old habit of ticking, ‘Don’t display this page at logon’ and forgetting about this useful GUI.   Here are 3 important tasks for the ICT manager:

1. Provide Computer Information
2. Update This Server
3. Configure This Server

1. Provide Computer Information

All that’s new is the timing of when you add this information about your server.  Previously you typed these settings into dialog boxes during the initial installation process.  This was inefficient because you were distracted by the newness of the installation, frustrated by the lack of network connection, or bored by waiting for file copy operations.

With Server 2008 you provide the computer information all at one time, if you make a mistake it’s easy to correct, plus if you ever have to change a setting you remember which interface you need.

If necessary call for help.  Can you use long computer names?  No.  Help tells you that the pure computer name is still limited by 15 characters (63 bytes).

Configure Network Settings
Note how this is a shortcut to Control Panel –> Network Settings

Provide computer name and domain
Joining a domain employs the same method as all operating systems from NT4 to XP.  However, good news, it worked first time, faultlessly and without any of the ‘work-arounds’ commonly needed by older systems.

[Please wait for the user profile service]

2. Update This Server

Every administrator moans about at least one of these three settings, Guy says stop complaining and just configure the settings to your liking – including turning off the service if you don’t like it.  As for me, I turn them all on at least to some degree.

• Windows Automatic Updating
• Windows Error Reporting
• Customer Experience Improvement Program

3. Configure this Server

Add Roles Wizard

Select Server Roles such as:

• Active Directory Domain Services (Domain Controller)
• DNS Server
• DHCP Server

Alternatively:

• Application Server
• File Services
• Print Services

Maybe

• Terminal Services
• Network Policy and Access Services

Select Server Roles

Remember to re-visit the Server Manager at regular intervals so that you can configure additional roles or add new features.

Troubleshooting Windows Server 2008 Installation

• Disconnect the UPS
• Run the Windows memory diagnostic tool
• Get updated mass storage drivers
• In Phase Two – disable the firewall to connect to other servers
• Disable Virus Protection (If you are upgrading)
• If all else fails, check ‘Help and Support’ on the first menu of the Windows Server 2008 setup.