Appendix B: Installing the Windows OS

Appendix B

Installing the Microsoft® Windows® OS

After all the hardware has been installed, you may now install your Operating System. The following instructions assume that you are installing a fresh copy of Windows OS into a blank partition on a disk drive.

B-1 Installing the Microsoft Windows XP/2000/2003 Operating System

1.Turn on the system and insert the Microsoft Windows XP/2000/2003 Setup CD in the CD or DVD Drive.

2.Reboot the system.

3.The system will perform POST and search for a bootable drive.

4.When prompted by the system asking whether you wish to boot from the CD, press the space bar on your keyboard.

5.The Windows OS Setup screen will display. Windows OS Setup will automati- cally load all Windows-supplied device drivers and then continue with the Windows XP/2000/2003 installation.

6.You will be asked to enter the disk partition where the Operating System is to be installed (please see Warning below), and to enter the date/time, and the Windows Activation Key.

7.After the Windows XP/2000/2003 OS Installation is completed, the system will automatically reboot.

8.Insert the Supermicro Setup CD that came with your motherboard into the CD Drive during system boot, and the main screen will display. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: To install the Linux Operating System, please refer to the OS Installa- tion Guides posted on our web site at www.supermicro.com/support/manuals. For other Operating System platforms, please follow your software provider's instructions.

Warning: You will lose all data residing in a disk drive partition when it is deleted or reformatted.

B-1

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SUPER MICRO Computer X7SLA-L, X7SLA-H user manual Appendix B Installing the Microsoft Windows OS

X7SLA-L, X7SLA-H specifications

Super Micro Computer has established itself as a leader in server and storage solutions, and their motherboards, particularly the X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L, showcase this commitment to quality and performance. These motherboards are designed for high efficiency and reliability, catering to a range of applications from entry-level servers to advanced computing environments.

The X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L are built on the Intel 5000 Series chipset, which allows them to leverage Intel's powerful Xeon processors. This enables users to experience superior performance, particularly in multi-threaded tasks, making them ideal for data-centric enterprises. Both motherboards support dual-socket configurations, increasing scalability and processing capabilities, which is essential for demanding workloads.

One of the standout features of the X7SLA series is its support for DDR2 ECC memory. This technology ensures data integrity by automatically correcting single-bit errors, a critical aspect for servers handling crucial data transactions. The X7SLA-H can support up to 16GB of memory, while its sibling, the X7SLA-L, is designed for maximum memory efficiency in less demanding environments. The incorporation of ECC memory is a significant advantage for businesses prioritizing reliability and uptime.

The X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L motherboards incorporate several advanced connectivity options. With multiple SATA ports and support for SATA RAID, they allow for flexible storage configurations that can enhance performance and reliability. These motherboards also provide users with Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring fast network communication essential for modern server environments.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the X7SLA series is its emphasis on thermal management. Both the X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L are designed with efficient cooling solutions to maintain optimal operating temperatures, which is crucial for sustaining the longevity of hardware components in high-availability scenarios.

In terms of expansion capabilities, the board features PCI Express slots, providing users with the flexibility to add additional network interfaces or storage controllers. This expandability aligns with Supermicro's commitment to delivering customizable solutions tailored to the specific needs of their customers.

In summary, the Super Micro Computer X7SLA-H and X7SLA-L motherboards bring together a robust architecture, reliable technologies, and extensive support for advanced computing needs. Their combination of performance, scalability, and reliability makes them a great choice for businesses looking to build efficient and powerful server solutions. These motherboards exemplify Supermicro's dedication to innovation in the computer hardware space, making them a staple in modern data centers.