Installing Server Core
Windows Server 2008 Server Core is a streamlined
version of Windows Server 2008. Server Core is a limited installation
of Windows that only includes the command prompt—no graphical user
interface (GUI).
Note
Server Core is a more secure implementation of
Windows because it has a limited attack surface. It includes only the
services and protocols that are absolutely necessary.
The following steps show the process of installing Windows Server 2008 Server Core.
| Step | Action |
|---|
| 1. | Boot the system to the installation DVD. |
| 2. | Select the language, time and currency, and keyboard. Click Next. |
| 3. | Click Install Now. |
| 4. | Select the Server Core Installation (instead of the Full Installation) for the version you want. Figure 1 shows the selection for Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Server Core Installation. Click Next. |
| 5. | Review the license terms, select I Accept the License Terms, and then click Next. |
| 6. | Select Custom (Advanced). |
| 7. | Select the disk where you want to install the Server Core installation and click Next.
Note
The installation takes some time but is quicker than a full
installation. After the installation completes, it reboots
automatically.
|
| 8. | Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to log on. Click Other User. Type Administrator in the User Name text box, and press Enter.
Tip
Because this is the first boot, the Administrator password is blank.
|
| 9. | Click OK to change the password. Leave the Password text box blank. Enter a new password in the New Password and Confirm Password text boxes, and then press Enter. A message displays indicating the password has been changed. Click OK.
The system boots into the desktop, which is only a command prompt. |
