How to Install Windows Server 2008 R2

Before You Begin

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

• If you want to configure your boot drive for RAID 1 (mirroring), you 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. For more details, refer to the Sun LSI 106x RAID User’s Guide.

• For your chosen Windows media delivery method, refer to the following requirements table.

1. If you are using the Windows Remote install method, select the corresponding CD item in the Redirection window:
   • CD-ROM ... Redirects the server to the the CD/DVD-ROM drive attached to the client system.
   • CD-ROM Image... Redirects the server to the ISO image file located on the client system.

     If you select CD-ROM image, you are prompted to browse for the image file.

     
     
2. Power cycle the server.

   If you are using the Windows Remote method, you can power cycle the server using Oracle ILOM.

   The BIOS POST process begins.

3. Start the BIOS Setup Utility.

   Look for the Initializing USB ... Done message on the screen.

   
   

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   Note - BIOS POST messages can go by quickly, and you might miss them. If you miss the prompt, power cycle the server again, and hold down the F2 key during boot until the BIOS setup utility appears.

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   After the Press F2 to run setup prompt appears, press F2. The BIOS Setup Utility opens.

4. Disable x2APIC in the BIOS Setup Utility.
   1. Click: Advanced —> CPU Configuration —> x2APIC.
   2. Change the value from Enabled to Disabled.
   3. Press Escape to return to the main BIOS screen.
   4. Select Exit Options —> Save Changes and Exit.
      
5. After the Press F8 for BBS POPUP prompt appears on the BIOS POST screen, press F8.

   The BBS POPUP menu allows you to select a boot device.

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   Note - BIOS POST messages, including the prompt for the BBS Popup menu, can go by quickly, and you might miss them. If you do, power cycle the server and hold down the F8 key during boot until the BBS Popup menu (shown in Step 1) appears.

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6. Wait for the Boot Device menu to appear after the BIOS POST process completes.

   If you have selected the Windows Local installation method, insert the Windows media DVD into the connected DVD drive now.

   
   
7. Do one of the following from the Boot Device menu:
   • If you are using the Windows Local method, select CD/DVD and press Enter.
   • If you are using the Windows Remote method, select the virtual CD/DVD and press Enter.

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

   The Windows installation wizard starts.

8. Proceed through the installation wizard until you see the Installation Type page, and then click Custom (advanced).
   

   The Where to Install Windows screen appears.

9. At the Where to Install Windows screen, do one of the following:

   • To select the Windows default partition settings: Click Next. Proceed to Step 10.

   • To override the Windows default partition settings: Click Driver Options (advanced) and proceed to the Advanced Driver Options screen in step 9.

   
   

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

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   The Advanced Driver Options screen appears.

10. At the Advanced Driver Options screen, do the following to create a partition:
    1. Click Delete to delete the existing partition.
    2. Click New to create a new partition.
    3. Change partition size settings as needed, and then click Apply.
    4. Click Next.
       
11. The Windows installation begins. Wait while the server reboots multiple times during the installation process.
12. After the Windows installation completes, Windows starts and prompts you to change the user password. Click OK and set up your initial user login account.

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    Note - Windows Server 2008 R2 enforces password schemes for user accounts. Password standards include restrictions on length, complexity, and history. If you need more details, click the Accessibility link on the account creation screen.

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    After you have created your initial account, the Windows Server 2008 desktop appears. The Windows Server 2008 R2 interface is new; review the Microsoft documentation to familiarize yourself with the changes.

See Also

Updating Critical Drivers and Installing Supplemental Software