Chapter 7: Installing the Driver and an Operating System 61

Installing with Windows

Note: You will need your Windows Installation CD to complete this task.

Installing with Windows Server 2003

To install the Adaptec RAID controller driver while installing Windows:

1Insert your Windows CD, then restart the computer.

2Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the Windows installation.

3When prompted to install a third-party driver, press F6.

Note: When F6 is active, a prompt appears at the bottom of the screen for only 5 seconds. If you miss your chance to press F6, restart your computer.

4Insert the driver disk, then wait until you are prompted to install a driver.

5Press S to specify that the driver is on a floppy disk, then press Enter. The computer reads the disk.

6When the Adaptec driver is found, press Enter.

7Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

8Continue with Managing Your Storage Space on page 79.

Installing with Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, or Windows Vista

To install the Adaptec RAID controller driver while installing Windows:

1Insert your Windows CD, then restart the computer.

2Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the Windows installation.

3When prompted to specify a location for Windows, select Load Driver.

4Insert the Adaptec Installation DVD, browse to the driver location, then click OK.

Note: The 64-Bit driver is located within the AMD64 folder.

5When the Adaptec driver is found, press Next.

Note: With Adaptec Series 6 controllers, you may see the message ‘No drives were found’. Repeat Step 3, Step 4 (without reinserting the DVD), and Step 5. On the second attempt, the driver will load successfully.

6Click Next again to accept the default partition configuration, or refer to your Windows documentation to configure partitions manually.

7Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

8Continue with Managing Your Storage Space on page 79.

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Adaptec 2268300R manual Installing with Windows Server

2268300R specifications

The Adaptec 2268300R is a robust and versatile RAID controller designed for enterprise-level storage needs. Ideal for environments demanding high availability, performance, and data protection, this controller provides organizations with the ability to manage large volumes of data while ensuring reliability.

One of the standout features of the Adaptec 2268300R is its support for various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This flexibility allows users to choose the configuration that best suits their performance and redundancy requirements. By combining multiple drives into a single logical unit, the controller enhances data throughput and ensures data safety through redundancy.

The controller is built on a SATA and SAS architecture, allowing it to connect directly to both SATA and SAS drives. This broad compatibility is crucial for businesses looking to leverage existing hardware while also scaling their storage infrastructure. The Adaptec 2268300R is equipped with a powerful onboard processor that significantly boosts performance, driving down latency and increasing transaction speeds across connected drives.

Additionally, the Adaptec 2268300R features cache memory with a non-volatile option that enhances data integrity during unexpected power outages. This feature is essential for mission-critical applications where data loss can have severe repercussions. Moreover, the controller supports advanced caching algorithms, optimizing write and read performance to meet the demands of modern applications.

The controller also integrates seamlessly with Adaptec's management suite, providing users with a graphical interface to monitor and manage their storage solutions effectively. The web-based management tool allows administrators to configure RAID settings, monitor disk health, and perform troubleshooting, all from a centralized platform.

Security is another critical aspect of the Adaptec 2268300R. The controller comes equipped with encryption capabilities, enabling users to secure sensitive data at rest—protecting information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, with features like hot-spare drive support and automatic rebuilds, the controller assures continued operation even in the event of a disk failure.

In conclusion, the Adaptec 2268300R is a powerful RAID controller that delivers significant advantages in performance, flexibility, and reliability. With its support for multiple RAID levels, SAS and SATA compatibility, robust caching, and advanced management tools, it stands out as an ideal solution for businesses needing to safeguard and manage their vast data assets efficiently. Whether for enhancing data security or optimizing storage performance, the Adaptec 2268300R remains a sound choice in today’s data-driven landscape.