Windows Server 2008

[Funkstar]

I've decided I need to blow away Vista on my file server. It's been doing some screwy things, recently.

I thought I would give Server 2008 a try, especially as I have a TechNet subscription to take advantage of.

I haven't installed a server OS since NT Server 4.01 (or something like that) back in the day. Are there any good quick guides out there for some simple setup options? It's really just going to be a file server, although I guess I really should make it a domain and have my systems log into it properly. At least that would make setting up mapped drives a lot easier

It will also be used for Squeezebox Server and MediaPortals TVServer, the former works fine on 2K8, the latter will need the Desktop Experience pack and some driver and DLL hacks from Win7 to get working.

The other alternative is to just install Win7, but I fancy a bit of server action to be honest.

[shaithis]

2008 R2 is available on technet now.

Setup is very easy for what you want, is basically the same as vista/7....just that you need to add "roles" for it to be an Active directory domain controller and a file server. The add role window will pop up once install is finished.

[Funkstar]

Well that sounds easy enough

Sounds like a decent project for this week.

[Guy]

For getting it to run as a basic file server with a few other roles it really is easy enough.

If you managed to install Vista/7 on your own then you won't have any troubles with server 2k8

[Stringent]

Doubt you will need AD and stuff. In fact if you just want a file server not much effort at all, unless you really want to play about!

[Moby-Dick]

Is home server available on Technet ? I know its on MSDN.

[shaithis]

"Windows Home Server with Power Pack 1" is there

it is 32bit only....and that reminded me that 2008 R2 is 64bit only.

[Funkstar]

Don't want to go for Home Server as I have 4GB in that system. I'd need to hack about with Home Server just as much as 2K8, so there doesn't seem much point for me.

2K8 R2 being 64bit only is just fine, that's what I would be installing anyway.