How to use Remote Installation Services to install Windows 2003 Server 2 on a remote computer

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This step-by-step article describes how to use Remote Installation Services (RIS) to install Windows Server 2003 on a remote computer.

You can use RIS to remotely set up a new computer based on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 by using the RIS network share folder as a source for Windows Server 2003 files. You can install the operating system on a client computer that has remote boot capabilities. The client computers are connected to the network, and then they are started using a network adapter or a remote boot disk with the pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE) feature. The client then logs on with a valid user account.

RIS Hardware Requirements

The following are the minimum hardware requirements for the RIS server:

• The server must meet the minimum hardware requirements for the version of Windows Server 2003 installed.

A 4 GB drive for use by the RIS directory tree on the RIS server.

• 10 or Mbps network adapters that support TCP/IP. Preferably, Mbps.

Note: A full hard disk or partition must be provided specifically for the RIS directory tree. It is best to be a SCSI based disk controller and disk.

The drive on the server where RIS is to be installed must be formatted with the NTFS file system. RIS requires a large amount of disk space and cannot be installed on the same drive or partition as Windows Server 2003. Make sure that the selected drive contains at least enough free disk space to accommodate a complete set of installation files for the operating system that is scheduled for remote installation.

Client Hardware Requirements

The following list describes the minimum hardware requirements for RIS client computers:

• Meet minimum operating system hardware requirements.

• PXE DHCP-based boot ROM version 1.00 or later network adapters, or network adapters supported by the RIS boot disk.

Note: Please keep in touch with the network adapter manufacturer for the latest version of the PXE DHCP-based boot ROM.

Software Requirements

Some network services must be enabled and available for use by RIS. You can install the following services on the RIS server or on the other servers available on the network:

• Domain Name System (DNS service)

• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Active Directory Service