This chapter describes how to install the Windows Server 2008 operating system directly onto your server using the Windows Server 2008 media.
Before beginning the operating system installation, make sure that you have:
Downloaded the latest software for your workstation. See Chapter 2, Downloading Driver Packages.
Configured the system BIOS and prepared disks as described in Chapter 3, Preparing Disks for the Operating System.
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 workstation.
The Windows installation formats the drive you designate as the boot disk. Any pre-existing data on that disk will be lost.
Make sure that you have completed all of the requirements listed in Windows Server 2008 Installation Requirements.
Power cycle your server.
The BIOS POST process begins.
Press F8 when the Press F8 for BBS POPUP prompt appears on the BIOS POST screen (see Figure 5–1).
The BBS POPUP menu allows you to select a boot device.
Once the BIOS POST process is complete, the Boot Device menu appears (see Figure 5–2). Insert the Windows Server 2008 media DVD in the server’s DVD drive now.
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.
The Windows installation wizard starts. Proceed through the installation wizard until you see the Installation Type page displayed, and then click Custom (advanced).
When you see the Where to Install Windows page (see Figure 5–4), do one of the following.
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.
Formatting or repartitioning a pre-existing partition destroys all data on the partition.
At the Where Do You Want to Install Windows page with driver options (see Figure 5–5), do the following.
The Windows installation begins.
The server will reboot multiple times during the installation process.
When Windows installation is complete, Windows starts and prompts you to change the user password. Click OK and proceed to set up the initial user account.
Windows Server 2008 enforces stronger password schemes for user accounts than previous versions of Windows. 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.
When done, proceed to Chapter 7, Updating the Critical Drivers and Software.