Chapter 5. Installing Windows Home Server

Previous chapters presented you with the choice to build a server from scratch or buy a complete server solution from an OEM vendor. The assumption in this chapter is that you have chosen to either build a new server or reuse an older PC as a server. This means that you need to obtain and install the System Builder edition of Windows Home Server. If you're going the OEM route and buying a machine with Windows Home Server preinstalled, you can probably skip to Chapter 7 to learn more about the Windows Home Server Console (unless you're still curious).

If you are already familiar with the installation of other versions of Windows, such as XP or 2003 Server, you'll find that the process of installing Windows Home Server is not all that different. However, there are some unique choices to be made. This chapter will guide you through them.

Preparing for Installation

Before you can install Windows Home Server, you need to make sure that the server is ready for it. Although Windows Home Server is designed to operate in a headless capacity in day-to-day usage (without a monitor, mouse, or keyboard attached), you need at least a keyboard and a monitor to complete the installation. A mouse is also helpful but not strictly necessary.

Making sure the boot order is correct

In order to install the Windows ...

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