Windows Server 2008 illustrated installation guide

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Installation Process

The installation process found in Windows Server 2008 bears much similarity to that of Windows Vista as both share the same Kernel. The installation process follows a paradigm very different from that of Windows Server 2003 and earlier in that it’s an image based install as opposed to relying on .CAB files. This new methodology both streamlines and hastens the deployment process. This results in a vast cost savings for large Enterprises. The following is a high level overview of what happens at each stage of the installation process:

Stage 1: Copying files- During this stage, the actual .WIM (Windows Image Format) image is copied, in compressed form, from the product DVD (or network share based upon your particular deployment method) to the local Hard Drive.

Stage 2: Expanding files- During this stage, the aforementioned .WIM image is expanded onto the local Hard Drive.

Stage 3: Installing features- During this stage, the files found within the expanded .WIM image are installed.

Stage 4: Installing updates- During this stage, installation of features and upgrades continues.

Stage 5: Completing installation- During this stage of the installation, the OS is prepared to run for the first time then booted.

Step-by-Step Installation tutorial

(Special note: The following tutorial assumes you are installing from the product DVD.)

Step 0- Enter your BIOS and ensure the target machine is set to boot from the optical drive first in the boot order.

Step 1- Insert the Windows Server 2008 Product DVD into the optical drive of the target machine and reboot.

Step 2- Choose the Language, Time format, and Keyboard layout appropriate for your particular region and click next to continue

Step 3- Click the Install Now button to begin the installation.

Step 4- Read and agree to the EULA and License agreement.

Step 5- Choose the version of Windows Server 2008 for which you have a valid license and choose next to continue. Note that you may also install the Core version of the chosen Windows Server 2008 SKU. Server core is best used for single purpose deployments, some example of which include Domain controllers, DNS servers and Print servers.

Step 6- Choose Custom (advanced) to continue.

(Special note: To perform an in-place upgrade of the current OS, please start the installation from within an existing install of Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP.)

Step 7- Choose the location (physical hard disk) where you would like to install Windows Server 2008 and click next to continue.
(Special note: You may also choose to partition the physical drive that you will be installing to by choosing Drive options (advanced) located in the bottom right corner of the UI.)

Step 8- Now that the installation process has collected all required information (less a product key) it will begin to install the base OS and present you with screens like those below:

Step 9- By this point you’re machine will have restarted at least once, installed the base OS and prepared it to run for the first time. Now you should be presented with a screen like what you see below asking you to change the administrator password.

One notable omission from the installation process was product key entry. You may have noticed that you weren’t ask at any point during the installation to provide a valid key. This was implemented to expedite enterprise deployment of the OS, but do bear in mind that an unlicensed copy of the OS will deactivate itself within 60 days of installation if a valid product key is not entered.

And finally.....

A brand new Windows Server 2008 desktop showing configuration tasks!

Conclusion

Windows Server 2008 is one of the quickest deployments in the history of Windows Server based OS's clocking in at a little under 11 minutes when installing into an empty Virtual Machine. Server Core takes an average of 4 minutes in the same environment. The combination of speedy deployment, incredible new features and simplified administration through the unified server manger console make Windows Server 2008 one hell of a contender and my personal choice for my production network!