- Preplanning and Preparing a Server Installation
- Setting Up the Windows Server 2003 Operating System
- Upgrading to Windows Server 2003
- Using Alternative Methods of Installation
- Performing an Unattended Windows Server 2003 Installation
- Installing Windows Server 2003 from an Image
- Installing Windows Server 2003 with Group Policy and Systems Management Server
- Updating a Windows 2003 Server with a Service Pack
- Preparing a System and Installing the Windows 2003 R2 Components
- Summary
- Best Practices
Using Alternative Methods of Installation
Several alternative methods can be used to install Windows Server 2003. By using deployment tools such as Remote Installation Services (RIS), System Preparation (Sysprep), Remote Installation Preparation (RIPrep), Unattend files, and Group Policy (with Systems Management Server, or SMS), you can create images and scripts to match your server installation with various scenarios. Table 3.4 shows the available methods of installation.
Table 3.4. Deployment Tools and Their Uses
Unattend |
RIS |
Sysprep |
GP/SMS |
|
Basic installation |
X |
X |
X |
|
Upgrade |
X |
X |
||
Dissimilar hardware |
X |
X |
X |
|
Image-based installation |
X |
X |
||
Operating system and applications installed |
X |
X |
X together |
|
AD required |
X |
X |
The following sections will give you some information about these other installation options.