Checklist: Performing a new installation

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

Checklist: Performing a new installation

Step Reference

Check system requirements.

System Requirements and Hardware Compatibility

Read Relnotes.htm and hardware compatibility information.

Important files to reviewHardware compatibility

Decide whether to upgrade or install.

Upgrading or Installing

If you have server clusters, review the process for installation on cluster nodes.

Checklist: Preparation for installing a cluster

Decide what licensing mode to use: Per Device or Per User or Per server.

Choosing a licensing mode

Decide whether you want to be able to choose between different operating systems each time you start the computer.

Deciding Whether a Computer Will Contain More Than One Operating System

Decide what file system to use: NTFS, FAT, or FAT32.

Choosing a File System for the Installation Partition

Decide what partition you will install on, or whether you will need a new partition for your installation.

Planning Disk Partitions or Volumes for New Installations

Decide how to handle networking, IP addresses, and TCP/IP name resolution.

Networks: TCP/IP, IP Addresses, and Name Resolution

Decide whether to create domains or workgroups for your servers.

Deciding Between Workgroups and Domains

If the computer already has a working operating system on it, back up files, and check the system log for errors.

Preparing your system for a new installation

Uncompress any DriveSpace or DoubleSpace volumes.

Preparing your system for a new installation

If the computer runs Windows NT 4.0 and uses mirror sets or other disk sets, prepare the disks.

Working with volume, mirror, or stripe sets or stripe sets with parity

Disconnect UPS devices.

Preparing your system for a new installation

Start Setup, and follow the instructions provided.

Start Setup on an x86-based computer

Start Setup on an Itanium architecture-based computer

Start Setup on an x64-based computer