Performing a Clean Windows Server 2008 Installation

Windows Server 2008 may be installed using a number of different approaches. One such approach involves installing a entirely new instance of the operating system on a disk or partition such that any previously operating system installation and associated data is destroyed. Another option is to perform an upgrade of an existing Windows installation such that user data, settings and applications are retained. In addition, the installation may be performed interactively where the user is required to respond to prompts during the installation, or unattended where pre-configured responds are supplied by an answer file.

The topic of this chapter is the clean, interactive installation of Windows Server 2008. The subject of upgrades is covered in the following chapter entitled Performing a Windows Server 2008 Upgrade.

Obtaining Windows Server 2008

If you do not already have access to the Windows Server 2008 installation media this can be downloaded from the Microsoft web site. Downloads are available for the Standard, Enterprise and Web editions of the operating system (the Datacenter Edition can only be acquired with specific systems direct from hardware vendors). For detailed information on the features provided with each edition refer to the Windows Server 2008 Editions and System Requirements chapter of this book.

All downloadable editions can be run either without a key (i.e in evaluation mode) or with a key (if a license has already been purchased). The evaluation period lasts for 90 days but may be extended twice up to a total of 270 days.

The Windows Server 2008 download is provided in the form of an ISO image which may burned to a DVD which may subsequently be used to perform the installation.

Starting the Installation Process

Windows Server 2008 may be installed either by booting from the installation DVD or by logging into the previously installed operating system as an administrator and launching the Setup tool on the DVD (typically this will autorun when the DVD is inserted into the drive).