Windows
Server Core, an installation option, was one of the most innovative and
anticipated features of Windows Server 2008. The Windows Server Core
installation provides a minimal environment for running a specific
server role, including, but not limited to, a domain controller, web
server, or DHCP server. In this situation, only a subset of the Windows
Server 2008 R2 binaries is utilized. The Server Core installation is so
stripped that traditional installation components, such as a desktop
shell, graphical user interface, Windows Explorer, Microsoft Internet
Explorer, and the MMC, are not included. Therefore, the server must be
fully managed and configured via the command prompt or by using remote
administration tools from another server.
By maintaining a
minimized installation footprint by only stripping out the typical
components and only supporting specific roles, the Server Core
installation reduces maintenance, attack surface, management, and disk
space required to support the installation.
Another great
feature, particularly for administrators who do not understand scripting
commands and who heavily rely on the GUI tools to manage a server, is
the ability to remotely manage the Server Core installation through MMC.
Windows Server 2008 R2 includes the following new features and functionality for Server Core:
.NET Framework—
A highly desired feature to be supported on Windows Server 2008 R2 was
the .NET Framework. Versions 2.0, 3.0, 3.5.1, and 4.0 are now supported
on a Server Core R2 installation. ASP.NET— Because the .NET Framework is now supported, ASP.NET can now be enabled on Server Core R2. PowerShell—
Another highly desired feature to be supported on Server Core R2 is
PowerShell. Administrators can use a wide range of PowerShell cmdlets on
Server Core R2. Active Directory Certificate Services— The Active Directory Certificate Services role can be installed on a Server Core R2 system. SCONFIG— By typing SCONFIG
at the command prompt, administrators can easily configure Server Core
deployments. Some of the simplified tasks include Domain Join, Rename
Computer, Configure Remote Management, Network Settings, and Download
and Install Updates.
Performing a Server Core Installation
When installing
Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core, the actual installation process is
very similar to a regular server install. To recap, an administrator agrees to
the licensing terms, supplies configuration responses, and the Windows
Server 2008 R2 Install Windows Wizard copies the files and configures
the server. However, unlike a traditional installation of Windows, when
the installation is complete and you log on, there isn’t a GUI to
configure the server. The server can only be configured and managed via
the command prompt.
The Server Core installation
will reboot your machine or virtual server a couple of times when
device detection and the installation takes place. Eventually, you’ll be
presented with the logon screen.
Follow these steps to conduct a Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation:
1. | Insert the Windows Server 2008 R2 media. The Install Windows page will automatically be launched; otherwise, click on Setup.exe.
| 2. | Specify the Language to Install, Time and Currency Format, and Keyboard or Input Method, and then click Next.
| 3. | Click Install Now to begin the installation process.
| 4. | On the Select the Operating System You Want to Install page, select the Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core, as shown in Figure 1. Click Next to continue.
| 5. | Review the license terms and select the I Accept the License Terms option, and then click Next.
| 6. | On the Which Type of Installation Do You Want page, select Custom (Advanced), as shown in Figure 2. Because you cannot upgrade a legacy Windows operating system to Server Core, the Upgrade option will not work.
| 7. | On
the Where Do You Want to Install Windows page, select the disk where
you plan to install the Windows system files. Alternatively, you can
click on the Drive (Options) to create, delete, extend, or format
partitions. In addition, click Load Driver to install drivers for the
Windows Server 2008 R2 installation that are not available on the media.
|
Note
If
the only drive available is Unallocated Space, Windows Server 2008 R2
will automatically create a partition based on the largest size and
format the partition with NTFS.
The installation process
will commence by copying the files, installing the Windows operating
system, and configuring features. After this process is complete, the
server will automatically reboot itself and require the installer to
change the administrator password for the system. Enter and confirm the
administrator password to change the password and log on. You will now
be presented with a Command Prompt window, the only GUI available in
Server Core.
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