Installing Windows Server 2012

Hi All,

Here you will find the step by step process to install Windows Server 2012.

Refer the below link to know about the system requirements for installing Windows Server 2012. 

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj134246.aspx

You can download an evaluation version from Microsoft using the below link

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/dn205286.aspx?CR_CC=200142594

Once you have downloaded the image, burn it on a DVD or mount as CD/DVD if you are installing it on a Virtual machine.

When you power on the machine, you will be provided with the below screen. Choose the language and keyboard input if that matters to you. If I was installing this on a server at my office, I would've have changed the keyboard or input method to UK as we are using UK Keyboard. 

Click Next. You now have the option to Install a fresh copy or Repair your computer. I will explain the repair process later on. Click Install Now to proceed.

You will be prompted for License key if you are installing any version other than evaluation.

This option will give you the choice to choose whether you want to install a core version or GUI. As you may know, the Server Core version will only have a command prompt when you boot up. But PowerShell makes it more versatile. The Server core was first implemented with Windows Server 2008 and had gained attention since its inception. If you are beginner, go for the GUI version. Click Next once to proceed.

The next screen is the License Terms. Of course, you have to agree to proceed by clicking Next.

You will now see two options. Upgrade and Custom. For a clean installation, you have to choose Custom.  

Next is the Disk preparation phase. You have to create a new partition and format it to proceed with the installation. Since I am running this on a testlab, I just allocated 20GB which is not recommended. You will soon run out of space if you don't allocate ample space. 60GB would be great. 

To create a partition, highlight the Drive and click New. Confirm the size of the partition and click Apply.

After choosing the right partition, you can click next and the installation will begin.

Once the installation is complete, you will see a similar screen. You have to input a password for the Administrator account.

Do remember to give a complex password which is a combination of alphanumeric characters. Or else you would be presented with a message that the password you typed does not meet the complexity requirements...

Once you provide a password that meets the requirements, the OS will accept and Congrats ! you are in.