HP ML530 Implementing Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 on ProLiant s - Page 3

Abstract This integration note provides information on installing, implementing, and troubleshooting Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Advanced Server on HP ProLiant servers for network administrators and field service engineers. It contains information on Windows 2000 implementations with Microsoft Service Pack 4 (SP4) applied. It also includes information on the lifecycle status of the Windows 2000 product family at Microsoft and provides information about Windows 2000 Server availability and support on ProLiant servers from HP. Readers are introduced to Windows Server 2003 R2 as an alternative to Windows 2000. This document provides information on supported hardware, step-by-step installation, features, and troubleshooting for Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Advanced Server on HP ProLiant servers. To obtain the latest information, visit: http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/software/microsoft/OS/Windows2000_index.html. Introduction The development of a new operating system requires an extraordinary relationship between the developer and hardware supplier. As a Joint Development Partner for Microsoft Windows 2000, HP engineered and tested its hardware and support software on this revolutionary network operating system from its inception. In fact, the majority of Windows 2000 code was developed on HP products, and all deployment program events were run on industry-standard servers. In developing implementation information for the initial release of this document, we used the ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack software listed below. • SmartStart Release 6.30 and 6.40 • Management CD Release 6.30 and 6.40 • ProLiant Support Pack (PSP) for Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 6.30A and 6.40A As of the publication date, the latest releases supporting Windows 2000 include: • ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack 7.60 • ProLiant Support Pack (PSP) for Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 7.60A The SmartStart CD ships standard with most HP ProLiant servers. For more information, visit www.hp.com/servers/smartstart. HP Systems Insight Manager and the PSP can be downloaded at www.hp.com/cgibin/hpsupport/index.pl. Planning considerations When implementing a server operating system release, careful planning makes the difference between success and failure. Take time with each step of the process to make sure you cover all the bases. First, understand the current network configuration including an examination of the structure, domains, security needs, and Internet usage. Then, verify that the current applications can operate in a Microsoft Windows 2000 environment or if an upgrade or replacement must be found. Consider that in June 2005, Microsoft transitioned the Windows 2000 product family from Mainstream Support to Extended Support (the last 5 years in its lifecycle). Microsoft released the last service pack, Service Pack 4, for Windows 2000 Server in July 2003, followed by a Windows 2000 Server service pack Update Rollup Pack in September 2005, and continues to support Windows 2000 with security hot fixes and paid support but no longer provides complimentary support options, 3