The basic steps are:

• System Requirements.
• The role of the File Server.
• The File System type that the Server will use.
• Installation Options.
• Networking Protocols.

System Requirements

The following is the minimum hardware requirement for an Intel based File Server Intel.

• Processor 386DX or higher.
• 90MB Free Disk Space.
• 16MB RAM Minimum.

The Role of the File Server

There are three types of role that can be undertaken by a Windows NT Server on the network.

Primary Domain Controller

This server is responsible for the accounts on the domain. It must be the first computer installed. All changes to the accounts database are performed on the PDC, and if the PDC goes off-line, no changes can be made.

Backup Domain Controller

This server holds a copy of the domain accounts database, which is copied from the PDC. This means that to install a BDC, a domain with a PDC must already be running.

NT Server

This server provides resources such as files and printers for users on the domain. They do not hold a copy of the domain accounts database. They cannot be made domain controllers without reinstalling Windows NT Server.

A Domain Controller, once installed, cannot be moved to another domain without first being re-installed. This is because Domain Controllers do not have a local accounts database, but use that of the domain.

A Server can be moved to another domain without re-installing, because it has its own local accounts database. You can change the name of the Domain at any time.

This is done at the PDC first, then at all the servers and workstations in the domain. You cannot move domain controllers to another domain without first re-installing Windows NT Server.

The File System Type

Windows NT Server supports TWO types of file systems. The file system chosen depends upon a number of factors:

FAT [File Allocation Table]

Supported by MSDOS and Windows95 [and OS/2].

NTFS [NT File System]

Supported by Windows NT. Choose this file system if NT Server is the only operating system being used. It supports file level security [permissions at the file level]. If you intend to support Macintosh computers, or migrate NetWare servers to Windows NT Server, you must choose NTFS.

The utility convert can be used to convert a FAT file system to NTFS at a later date.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• FAT Allows MSDOS access to your files.
• Widely used Files remain unprotected by Windows NT.
• Automatic disk restoration not possible.
• Allows access to files via an intruder using MSDOS.
• NTFS File level security possible.
• Automatic disk restoration possible.
• Supports long filenames. Only supported by Windows NT.
• If boot partition is NTFS, cannot access any files if booting under MSDOS.

Windows NT Server can be installed using one of THREE methods.

Network

The Windows NT Server files are placed on a Network Share point.

CDROM

The Windows NT Server files reside on a CDROM drive that is supported by and recognised by Windows NT Server [check Hardware Compatibility List].

Disk

Use floppy diskettes to install Windows NT Server.

The Windows NT Server files are copied from the distribution CDROM into a directory on an existing server. This directory is then shared with the appropriate permissions to allow access.

The installer boots the computer and maps a network drive to the share point that holds the Windows NT Server files. The program WINNT.EXE is then executed.

Installation Options

When WINNT.EXE is executed, it accepts a number of options. Some options are:

/O and /X

This option creates a set of THREE boot diskettes that are required to perform an installation.

/B

This option performs a diskless install [the 3 boot diskettes are not required].

The default operation of WINNT.EXE is to:

• Create a set of boot diskettes [3] which are used to install Windows NT Server
• Create a $WIN_NT$.~LS directory and copy the Windows NT Server files into it asks the user to reboot the computer using the first boot diskette

Note: Use WINNT.EXE if you are upgrading from MSDOS or NT 3.1, use WINNT32.EXE if upgrading to NT (must be running NT or WIN95).

Microsoft Networking Protocols

When you install Windows NT Server, the three network protocols that can be selected are TCP/IP, NETBEUI and NWLINK. To access NetWare servers, you must also install the NetWare Client Service.

Installation Summary

The Primary Domain Controller must be installed first. Domain Controllers cannot be moved to another domain without first re-installing Windows NT Server. If you change the name of the Domain, this must be first done at the PDC, then BDS's and Servers.

NTFS provides file-level security. This allows you to control who can access what files and provide security of information.