Here is a list of steps used to install Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition.
Purpose of writing this down is for me to have a record, and also to help others who may come across difficulties in doing the same thing.
Preamble: There is an infinite number of ways to install WinServer 2008. The way presented here fulfills my requirement that the final system is:
1. Dual boot with Windows 7 in Disk 1 and WinServer 2008 in Disk 2.
Basically that's it.
Disk Preparation:
To prepare the new disk by partitioning, an excellent tool is the free MiniTool Partition Wizard (http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html).
This is a Linux bootable DVD and allows partitions to be manipulated, including primary and logical. Format can also be done in NTFS or ext2/ext3 and maybe more.
So partition each drive before installing the Operating System (OS).
Dual Booting Requirements:
The Boot Manager used here is Boot-US (www.boot-us.com). It recommends to install Windows 7 with Disk 1 connected. Then remove Disk 1 and attach Disk 2. Install WinServer 2008 on Disk 2. Then attach Disk 1, boot to Windows 7 (no choice yet). Install Boot US and configure Boot Manager. The detailed instructions is found in Boot-US tips here:
"Installing Windows multiple times on different disks" http://www.boot-us.com/tips_w02.htm
As it turns out after many panic attacks, the way I have gotten it to work is:
Disk 1: Win7 and Win Server 2008R2.
Disk 2: Data drive
The trick to install both OS is:
- install first OS
- switch the second partition as ACTIVE. This can be done using the BootUS installed in the first OS.
- reboot and install second OS.
- to switch between the 2 partitions, change the Active partition switch.
Configuring Wireless Network:
This is one of the trickiest steps in WinServer 2008 installation. A very good site is:
Enabling Wireless Network in Windows Server 2008,
(http://geekswithblogs.net/NewThingsILearned/archive/2009/01/30/enabling-wireless-network-in-windows-server-2008.aspx). Basically the steps are:
1. After WinServer 2008 installation has finished, there will be a list of items to configure for.
2. Choose "Add Features", then choose "Wireless LAN Service".
3. After adding this feature, a list of neighboring Wireless networks can be seen in by doing this: click on the "Network and Sharing Center" and click "Connect to Network".
4. In that same "Network and Sharing Center", click on "Manage Wireless Network", click on "Add", then add your wireless details.
5. When filling in the network details, do not check the option for "Connect even if network is not broadcasting its name (SSID)". There is also a tip to suggest not to check this option.
6. Although now the wireless is setup, going to "Connect to Network" show other wireless network but not our own. Go in and out of this dialog for a while, then come back and look at the list of wireless networks. At the end of the list, click on the network called "Others", this will ask for your hidden SSID and password. After this step, the network should be connected. Check this by using a web browser.
Security:
Firewall - Win Server 2008R2 comes with an advanced firewall, and hence does not need 3rd party firewall. More details on this is found in :
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/configure-Windows-Server-2008-advanced-firewall-MMC-snap-in.html
AntiVirus - While 3rd party antivirus exist for Win Server 2008 R2, they usually cost much higher than their normal PC counterparts. Even a few of the popular free antivirus have Server versions, but they are Not Free. One practical solution is to use Microsoft's own Security Essentials, coupled with various small anti spyware programs.
Purpose of writing this down is for me to have a record, and also to help others who may come across difficulties in doing the same thing.
Preamble: There is an infinite number of ways to install WinServer 2008. The way presented here fulfills my requirement that the final system is:
1. Dual boot with Windows 7 in Disk 1 and WinServer 2008 in Disk 2.
Basically that's it.
Disk Preparation:
To prepare the new disk by partitioning, an excellent tool is the free MiniTool Partition Wizard (http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html).
This is a Linux bootable DVD and allows partitions to be manipulated, including primary and logical. Format can also be done in NTFS or ext2/ext3 and maybe more.
So partition each drive before installing the Operating System (OS).
Dual Booting Requirements:
The Boot Manager used here is Boot-US (www.boot-us.com). It recommends to install Windows 7 with Disk 1 connected. Then remove Disk 1 and attach Disk 2. Install WinServer 2008 on Disk 2. Then attach Disk 1, boot to Windows 7 (no choice yet). Install Boot US and configure Boot Manager. The detailed instructions is found in Boot-US tips here:
"Installing Windows multiple times on different disks" http://www.boot-us.com/tips_w02.htm
As it turns out after many panic attacks, the way I have gotten it to work is:
Disk 1: Win7 and Win Server 2008R2.
Disk 2: Data drive
The trick to install both OS is:
- install first OS
- switch the second partition as ACTIVE. This can be done using the BootUS installed in the first OS.
- reboot and install second OS.
- to switch between the 2 partitions, change the Active partition switch.
Configuring Wireless Network:
This is one of the trickiest steps in WinServer 2008 installation. A very good site is:
Enabling Wireless Network in Windows Server 2008,
(http://geekswithblogs.net/NewThingsILearned/archive/2009/01/30/enabling-wireless-network-in-windows-server-2008.aspx). Basically the steps are:
1. After WinServer 2008 installation has finished, there will be a list of items to configure for.
2. Choose "Add Features", then choose "Wireless LAN Service".
3. After adding this feature, a list of neighboring Wireless networks can be seen in by doing this: click on the "Network and Sharing Center" and click "Connect to Network".
4. In that same "Network and Sharing Center", click on "Manage Wireless Network", click on "Add", then add your wireless details.
5. When filling in the network details, do not check the option for "Connect even if network is not broadcasting its name (SSID)". There is also a tip to suggest not to check this option.
6. Although now the wireless is setup, going to "Connect to Network" show other wireless network but not our own. Go in and out of this dialog for a while, then come back and look at the list of wireless networks. At the end of the list, click on the network called "Others", this will ask for your hidden SSID and password. After this step, the network should be connected. Check this by using a web browser.
Security:
Firewall - Win Server 2008R2 comes with an advanced firewall, and hence does not need 3rd party firewall. More details on this is found in :
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/configure-Windows-Server-2008-advanced-firewall-MMC-snap-in.html
AntiVirus - While 3rd party antivirus exist for Win Server 2008 R2, they usually cost much higher than their normal PC counterparts. Even a few of the popular free antivirus have Server versions, but they are Not Free. One practical solution is to use Microsoft's own Security Essentials, coupled with various small anti spyware programs.
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