Share via


Start Setup on an Itanium architecture-based computer

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To start Setup on an Itanium architecture-based computer

  1. Immediately after turning on the computer, insert the Setup CD in the CD-ROM drive.

  2. When the EFI Boot Manager menu appears, select the CD-ROM option.

  3. When prompted, press any key to start from the CD-ROM.

  4. Follow the on-screen Setup instructions.

Important

  • Itanium architecture-based computers require a minimum 100-MB FAT partition for the operation of the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI). This EFI system partition is created automatically during Setup, and it stores programs and information files that the EFI uses to start the operating system. Do not delete or reformat this partition.

  • Setup also creates a Microsoft Reserved (MSR) partition, which is required by the operating system. The size of this partition depends on the size of the hard disk. On drives less than 16 GB in size, the MSR is 32 MB. On drives greater than or equal to 16 GB, the MSR is 128 MB. Do not delete or reformat this partition.

Notes

  • Before installing, verify that you are using the correct version of the firmware. For more information, refer to the hardware manufacturer's documentation.

  • The EFI defines a new partition style called GUID partition table (GPT). The installation partition on an Itanium architecture-based computer must be on a GPT disk. Setup automatically specifies GPT as the disk to be used for installation. You can still read and write to master boot record (MBR) volumes, which are common to most computers, but you cannot install on master boot record volumes.

Information about functional differences

  • Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.

See Also

Concepts

Extensible Firmware Interface
GUID partition table