Windows #002: Smart Setup Guide

Preparing for installation

Ensuring platform compatibility

Chapter 2

Ensuring platform compatibility

If you are migrating from another operating system to Windows Server 2003, ensure

that the firmware is up to date, that the hardware is compatible, and any data on the

server disk is backed up.

Check system firmware version

To check the system firmware version:

Step 1. Boot the server to EFI.

Step 2. At the EFI Shell prompt, type info fw.

The EFI shell lists the firmware version as follows:

FIRMWARE INFORMATION

Firmware Revision:

All CELLS - 1.12 Thu Oct 16 08:10:32 2003

Step 3. Check the installed version against the version present on the HP Smart Setup media or

on the HP Integrity support site at http://www.hp.com/support/itaniumservers/.

NOTE For rx7620, rx8620, and Superdome servers, contact HP support or an HP CE to obtain

the latest firmware.

Check hardware compatibility

To verify that your existing hardware is compatible with Windows Server 2003:

Step 1. Refer to the Supplies and Accessories page for each server to check supported hardware

configurations. For example, the Supplies and Accessories page for the rx8620 server at

http://www.hp.com/products1/servers/integrity/mid_range/rx8620/supplies.html lists the

processors, memory, adapters, cards, and controllers that are available for that server.

Step 2. Verify existing device compatibility at the HP Integrity server connectivity site at

http://www.hp.com/products1/serverconnectivity/index.html.

Step 3. Verify storage compatibility by reviewing the HP Integrity Server-Storage support

matrices at http://www.hp.com/products1/serverconnectivity/support_matrices.html.

This list is not exhaustive because storage vendors may support more configurations

than those indicated at the site. As a general rule, check with your storage vendor and

an HP sales representative for a definitive statement on server-storage compatibility.

Preparing servers with 4GB DIMMs

You must install a Microsoft QFE (KB867582) for a successful Windows Server 2003

install. To install the OS on a server with 4GB DIMMs, you install the OS, then install

the Microsft QFE (the QFE is installed automatically if you install your OS using the HP

Re-install CD).