Installing Windows Server 2008

C H A P T E R 7

This chapter describes how to install the Windows Server 2008 operating system directly onto your server using the Windows Server 2008 media.

Note - This information applies only to the Sun Fire X4100 M2 and Sun Fire X4200 M2 servers. It does not apply to the Sun Fire X4100 or Sun Fire X4200 servers.

Installation Requirements

Before beginning the operating system installation, make sure that the following requirements are met.

For all installation methods:

Complete the procedures in the previous chapters of this document that apply (Chapters 2 through 5).

If you want to configure your boot drive for RAID1 (mirroring), you will need to do so using the LSI Logic integrated RAID controller’s setup utility (accessible by pressing Ctrl+C when prompted during server boot) before you install the Windows operating system. Refer to Appendix A for more information.

Verify that a keyboard and mouse are attached to the appropriate connections on your Sun Fire server.

For information about specific details of the operating system installation, refer to your Microsoft Windows documentation.

Note - The complete Microsoft Windows Server 2008 installation process is not documented in this section. This section documents only the steps that are specific for installing Windows Server 2008 on your server.

For requirements specific to the Windows media delivery method that you have chosen, see TABLE 7-1.

TABLE 7-1 Requirements for Each Installation Method
Method	Action or items required
Windows Local	Uses the server’s CD/DVD or a USB external CD/DVD drive connected to the USB port on the server.
Windows Remote	Insert the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 installation media into the JavaRConsole system’s DVD-ROM drive.
Windows Image	Ensure that the Windows Server 2008 installation media is accessible from the JavaRConsole system.

Installing the Operating System

Follow these steps to install the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 software onto your your server.

Note - The Solaris Operating System may be preinstalled on your server’s boot disk. The Windows installation will format the boot disk and all data will be lost.

1. Make sure that you have completed all of the requirements listed in Installation Requirements.

2. Power cycle your server.

The BIOS POST process begins.

3. Press F8 when the Press F8 for BBS POPUP prompt appears on the BIOS POST screen (see FIGURE 7-1).

The BBS POPUP menu will allow you to select a boot device.

FIGURE 7-1 F8 Prompt Example

4. Once the BIOS POST process is complete, the Boot Device menu appears (see FIGURE 7-2). If you have selected the Windows Local installation method, insert the Windows Server 2008 media DVD in the server’s DVD drive now.

FIGURE 7-2 Boot Device Menu Example

5. Select CD/DVD from the Boot Device menu and press Enter.

If prompted with Press any key to boot from CD, quickly press any key.

6. The Windows installation wizard starts. Proceed through the installation wizard until you see the Installation Type page displayed, and then click Custom (advanced).

FIGURE 7-3 Select Installation Type Page

7. You will then see the Where to Install Windows page (see FIGURE 7-4), do one of the following:

FIGURE 7-4 Where to Install Windows Page Example

If you do not want to override the Windows default partition settings, click Next and skip to Step 9.

If you do want to override the Windows default partition settings, click Driver Options (advanced) and proceed to the next step.

Caution - Formatting or re-partitioning a pre-existing partition will destroy all data on the partition.

8. At the Advanced Driver Options page (see FIGURE 7-5), do the following:

FIGURE 7-5 Windows Partition Management Page

a. Click Delete to delete the existing partition.

b. Click New to create the new partition.

c. Change size settings as needed, and then click Apply.

d. Click Next and proceed to the next step.

9. The Windows installation begins.

The server will reboot multiple times during the installation process.

10. When Windows installation is complete, Windows starts and prompts you to change the user password. Click OK and proceed to setup the initial user account.

Note - Windows Server 2008 enforces stronger password schemes for user accounts. Password standards include restrictions on length, complexity and history. If you need more details, click the Accessibility link at the account creation page.

Once the initial user account is created, the Windows Server 2008 desktop is displayed.

11. Proceed to Chapter 8 “Updating the Critical Server-Specific Drivers” to install server-specific software and the latest Sun-supported drivers.