When
upgrading an existing server to Windows Server 2008 R2, all
configuration settings, files, and programs are retained from the
previous installation. However, there are still several important
prerequisite tasks that you perform before the upgrade.
Note
When upgrading a system to
Windows Server 2008 R2, you need to have at least 834MB of free space on
the system partition; otherwise, the upgrade will come to a halt.
Backing Up the Server
When making a major change
on a server, something could go wrong. A complete backup of your
operating system and data, including the System State, can make the
difference between confidently telling the boss you had a setback so you
conducted a rollback or quivering while you try to find a way to tell
your boss a complete disaster has taken place.
Verifying System Compatibility
In
the past, you could check system compatibility before starting an
upgrade. Now, it is a best practice to use the Microsoft Application
Compatibility Toolkit to verify Windows Server 2008 R2 compatibility
before an installation. The tool can be accessed from the following
Microsoft link: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/aa905066.aspx.
Running the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool
As a prerequisite task, it is
also beneficial to test the physical memory in the server before
conducting the upgrade. Do the test by running the Windows Memory
Diagnostics tool. The tool can be obtained from the following Microsoft
link: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50362.
Ensuring the Drivers Are Digitally Signed
Microsoft started certifying
drivers for plug-and-play devices during the release of Windows 2000
Server to stabilize the operating system. When installing drivers, an
administrator had the opportunity to choose from digitally signed
drivers or unsigned drivers. Digitally signed drivers ensure stability;
however, it was also possible to install unsigned drivers. The unsigned
drivers were not blessed or certified by Microsoft.
When upgrading to Windows
Server 2008 R2, an error message is displayed when unsigned drivers are
detected. In addition, the unsigned driver will not be loaded when the
operating system is upgraded and finally rebooted. Based on these
issues, it is a best practice to obtain only digitally signed drivers,
upgrade unsigned drivers, or disable the signature requirement for a
driver if you cannot boot your computer after the upgrade.
The following procedures should be used to disable the signature requirement on Windows Server 2008 R2:
1. | Reboot the server and press F8 during startup.
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2. | Select Advanced Boot Options.
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3. | Select Disable Driver Signature Enforcement.
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4. | Boot into Windows.
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5. | Uninstall the unsigned driver.
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Performing Additional Tasks
It is also beneficial to
perform the following additional tasks before proceeding with the
installation upgrade. Disconnect UPS devices as they negatively affect
installation when detecting devices on serial ports, disable antivirus
software as it might affect this installation process, and obtain
drivers for the mass storage devices from the manufacturers.
Caution
It
is worth noting when upgrading to Windows Server 2008 R2, the Windows
Firewall will be automatically enabled once the upgrade is complete.
Therefore, you will have to either disable the firewall or configure the
appropriate inbound and outbound firewall rules after the upgrade is
complete.
Performing the Upgrade
At this point, your data is
backed up, you have verified compatibility with the new operating
system, and you have read the release notes. It’s time to upgrade, so
conduct the following steps:
1. | Log
on to the server and insert the Windows Server 2008 R2 media. The
Install Windows page should automatically launch; otherwise, click on
Setup.exe.
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2. | Click Install Now to begin the upgrade process.
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3. | On
the Get Important Updates for Installation page, first select the I
Want to Help Make Windows Installation Better option. By doing this, you
will participate in the Windows Installation Customer Experience
Improvement Program that allows Microsoft to collect information about
the hardware configuration, installation settings, and errors received.
This information helps Microsoft determine if updates are needed and
identify areas of improvement.
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4. | On
the same page, select either Go Online to Get the Latest Updates for
Installation or Do Not Get the Latest Updates for Installation, as shown
in Figure 1.
Note
If
the server is connected to the Internet, it is a best practice to
select the first option. Obtaining the latest updates ensures a
successful installation as the latest hardware drivers and Windows code
are utilized.
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5. | On
the Select the Operating System You Want to Install page, select the
desired operating system, such as Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise
(Full Installation). Click Next to continue, as illustrated in Figure 2.
Note
Just as a reminder, as
stated earlier in this chapter, you cannot upgrade a Windows Server 2003
system or Windows Server 2008 full installation to Server 2008 R2
Server Core. If Server Core is selected, the compatibility check on the
subsequent page will produce an error and require a different edition to
be selected.
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6. | Review the license terms and select the I Accept the License Terms option, and then click Next.
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7. | On the Which Type of Installation Do You Want page, select the Upgrade option, as illustrated in Figure 3. Upgrading the system will maintain existing files, settings, and programs.
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8. | The
Compatibility Report page is invoked. This screen includes a warning
that it is a best practice to visit the following Microsoft link, http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=85172,
to ensure all programs are supported and can remain installed during
the installation. It is recommended to uninstall any applications that
are not supported. Click Next to continue.
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9. | The
upgrade process commences and the Upgrading Windows page displays
status on the following items: Copying Windows Files, Gathering Files,
Expanding Files, Installing Features and Updates, and Completing the
Upgrade.
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Note
During this process, Windows will
automatically reboot the machine a few times, complete the installation
process, and prepare the server for its first use.
The process for
completing the installation and conducting postinstallation tasks is the
same for both an upgrade and initial installation except that some
settings may have been preserved during the upgrade process. In
addition, after the upgrade is complete, it is a best practice to open
Server Manager and verify events, determine if system services are
operational, and ensure the upgraded server roles were, in fact,
installed and configured correctly. In addition, review the Resources
and Support section in Server Manager for recommended configurations,
tasks, and best practices.
Note
After the Windows Server 2008
R2 upgrade is complete, the Windows Firewall included with the operating
system is enabled by default. It is a best practice to review and
change firewall rules and settings to ensure server functionality.
