How can I install Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition?

Insert the Windows 2003 installation CD-ROM, then power on the machine. Windows Setup will check the computer's configuration, prompt you to press the F2 key to start system recovery (don't press this key), and load core files into memory.

When Windows Setup prompts you to Setup Windows, use the Recovery Console, or Exit, press Enter to continue the installation process.
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When you see the license agreement appear onscreen, press F8 to continue.

Windows Setup will display the disk partition screen. Select an existing partition, create a new one by pressing C, or select an un-partitioned area of space and press Enter to continue installation.

When you're prompted to choose from the following options, make a selection, then press Enter:

Windows Setup will format the partition (if required) and copy files to the disk from the installation CD-ROM.

Your computer will then reboot (you can press Enter to avoid the 10-second delay),

and the graphical phase of the installation will begin. Windows Setup will complete the various installation stages, including installing devices and configuration. After the installation has finished detecting the computer's devices, Windows Setup will begin the portion of the installation that requires user input.

Windows Setup will prompt you to set regional and language options. Click the Customize and Details buttons, select the appropriate check boxes for the correct regional options, then click Next.

Enter a name and organization for the installation, then click Next.

Enter the product key, then click Next.

When the Licensing Modes option appears onscreen, select either the "per user" or "per server" option (along with the number of concurrent connections, if required, per server), then click Next.

Enter a computer name for the server and an Administrator password. If you attempt to use a password that doesn't meet Windows 2003's definition for a strong password (e.g., at least six characters; doesn't contain "Administrator" or "Admin"; contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and non-alphanumeric characters), Windows Setup will warn you and you'll have to click Yes to continue with your chosen password. Click Next.

When Windows Setup prompts you to enter the date and time settings, change the time zone if needed, select the automatic daylight savings setting (if appropriate), then click Next to begin the network installation phase.

After the network installation phase performs several checks and detects your network settings, confirm your TCP/IP settings when prompted. The installation defaults to using DHCP (to automatically assign an IP address), but you can configure a static IP address or specify a different configuration if the DHCP server isn't available. To modify the TCP/IP settings, select "Custom settings," click Next, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click Properties. After you finish modifying the TCP/IP settings, click OK, then click Next.

When Windows Setup prompts you, enter a workgroup or domain name, then click Next. The installation will continue without further user input. This final phase of the installation includes further configuration, including copying of files, creating the Start menu, registering components, and finalizing the settings. After the installation is complete, the machine will reboot.