IBM eX5 Implementation Guide

356 IBM eX5 Implementation Guide

See 4.13, “Integrated virtualization” on page 174 for ordering information for the integrated

virtualization option.

7.9.3 Windows Server 2008 R2

Windows Server 2008 R2 is currently the latest version of the popular Windows Server OS. It

provides enhancements in several areas, including virtualization, web, and management.

The following list provides general tips about Windows Server 2008 R2 installation on the

memory-expanded x3690 X5:

򐂰 We recommend using IBM ServerGuide to simplify the installation of Windows Server

2008 R2. IBM ServerGuide integrates the RAID array configuration and driver installation

into the OS installation process. You can download the IBM ServerGuide image from the

following website:

http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-GUIDE

Note the supported system of each version. At the time of this writing, IBM ServerGuide

v8.41 64 bit provides the latest support for x3690 X5.

We describe using the IBM ServerGuide to perform the Windows Server installation on

IBM eX5 servers in 9.8, “IBM ServerGuide” on page 501.

򐂰 Windows Server 2008 R2, Standard x64 Edition only supports 32 GB of memory. Use at

least Enterprise Edition to take full advantage of the MAX5 expansion memory capability.

You can read information about Windows Server memory limits at the following website:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778.aspx

򐂰 When using ServerGuide, the RAID array configuration is set in the Configure RAID

Adapter panel. Choose Keep Current Adapter Configuration if the RAID array has been

set previously and the next installation will use that current configuration.

򐂰 In the ServerGuide partition setup panel, selecting the Clear All Disks check box clears

the contents of all disks attached to the system, including SAN storage logical drives that

are mapped to the system.

Figure 7-53 on page 357 shows the partition setup panel with the Clear All Disks option.

Proceed with caution when using this option.

Chapter 7. IBM System x3690 X5 357

Figure 7-53 IBM ServerGuide partition setup window

We recommend that you map SAN storage logical drives after the OS installation process

completes, except in Boot from SAN configurations.

򐂰 You can access more information about the Windows Server 2008 R2 installation and

configuration at the following website:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/product-documentation.aspx

򐂰 If Windows Server 2008 R2 cannot be started and the system has 1 TB or more of

memory installed, try to apply the Microsoft KB98059 that can be downloaded from the

following website:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/980598

򐂰 If a system with 128 GB or more of memory installed and running Windows Server 2008

R2 with Hyper-V receives error message “STOP 0x000000A”, try to apply the Microsoft

KB979903 Hotfix that can be downloaded from the following website:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/979903

򐂰 We recommend that you set Flow Control to Enabled in the Broadcom NetXtreme II

Properties to ensure that no data transmission issue exists between servers with large

performance gaps.

The following steps describe this task:

a. Select Start  Administrative Tools  Computer Management  Device

Manager.

b. Expand Network adapters.

c. Double-click Broadcom BCM5709C NetXtreme II GigE.

d. Select Advanced  Flow Control.

e. Set Value to Rx & Tx Enabled and click OK.

򐂰 You can download Windows Server 2008 R2 Trial Software from the following website:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx