Chapter 3. Installing Windows Server 2003

In This Chapter

• Preplanning and Preparing a Server Installation

• Setting Up the Windows Server 2003 Operating System

• Upgrading to Windows Server 2003

• Using Alternative Methods of Installation

• Performing an Unattended Windows Server 2003 Installation

• Installing Windows Server 2003 from an Image

• Installing Windows Server 2003 with Group Policy and Systems Management Server

• Updating a Windows 2003 Server with a Service Pack

• Preparing a System and Installing the Windows 2003 R2 Components

This chapter describes the process for installing the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating system (32-bit and 64-bit), Windows 2003 Service Packs, and the Windows 2003 R2 update. With the advances in Microsoft technologies over the years, many steps in the installation process have been simplified. For example, you still must verify that your hardware is supported by the operating system, but the Plug and Play capability of the application automatically detects and configures most hardware items. Thankfully, the days of determining the IRQ, base I/O address, and memory range of your system devices are, for the most part, in the past. In fact, Windows Server 2003 has the easiest and most intuitive installation procedure of any Microsoft operating system to date.

The server, however, will not install itself. You still must make several decisions to ensure that your completed installation will meet your needs. This chapter walks you through these key decisions and helps you make the correct choices for your environment.