Windows will now copy files from the media to the server, and start to expand the installation files. This process may take a while so sit back and grab yourself a coffee.

Once the files are expanded, the second phase will complete quite quickly, installing features and updates almost in the blink of an eye!

Your server will reboot and setup will continue after this..

You will see the ‘Setup is preparing your computer for first use’ screen for a few minutes..

You will now be presented with the a screen titled ‘Install Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard’ with the option of whether to perform a clean installation or a server migration. We are performing a clean installation, so leave that selected and click Next to start the configuration process.

The first step of the process is to set the date and time, and verify the time zone settings of the server.

Please make sure to click the Blue text and verify these details.

Once you’re happy with your clock settings, click Next to continue.

The next page is ‘Server Network Configuration’ the server will attempt to automatically detect your local network and give itself an IP address on that network. You can choose to enter your own configuration information instead if you wish.

I have left mine on the default of ‘automatically detect’ and clicked next. When you’re happy with your configuration, click next.

You now have the chance to download updates during the installation process. I have always said no to this. I think Microsoft’s thinking here is good, in that this process should download updates for the installation routine only, fixing any known issues with installations at this point would be a good thing.

However, for a consistent installation process, and to speed the installation up, i choose not to install updates. This is also a view shared by a lot of the other SBS MVP’s so i am not alone. Our advice here may change if a major issue is discovered but for now, click to not get updates.

Click Next to continue.

Setup is now trying to connect to your network, and if you did choose to, will download updates. (Remember if can only download updates if there is valid network configuration information and an internet connection, it isn’t magic)

This process is going to take varying amounts of time, based on the spec, and the choices your entered. Might be time for another coffee?

When you return you will be presented with some familiar screens for those that have worked with SBS before.

Continued in Part 3

on a job well done.

You should now have the Company Information screen, where you can enter business address and contact details.

The personalise your server and network screen, where you choose your Server name and internal Domain name.

This may be the single most important screen you have to configure in the whole installation. This stuff cannot be changed – ever! so take your time and get it right, no second chances or forgiveness for typo’s!

A tip i picked up in the SBS 2008 era, (in this book) was to use a generic name for both the server and the domain. You should have read that book already so i am not going to repeat it, but suffice to say it makes things a lot easier if you ever want to merge with another network.

Server Name : SBSSERVER

Internal Domain Name: SBS

When you’re happy with your choices, hit next.

We now have the ‘Add a network administrator’ page.

As was the case with SBS 2008, the Administrator account is unavailable for use here, so you must choose a new name and password.

Please enter somethng unique, and not to obvious to guess – Admin – for example is a bit of a waste of time. Another tip for you that we employed was to use the initials of our consultancy and that of the clients company, anyway you choose whatever you want, i am choosing Don Funk (thanks to Justin and Wayne for that one )

You’ll also need to enter a strong password. 

Remember this is your Domain Administrator password, it should not be Password1 and it should not be written down and stuck to your monitor!

When you have entered all of this information, Click Next.

You will now see a summary page, this is your chance to confirm and or change anything you are not 100% happy with.

Click Next when you’re ready.

The server will now shutdown and restart, when it boots back up you will have a period of time to wait whilst the server expands and installs the SBS installation. You can choose to sit and wait and read the inspirational messages about how much more efficient your company will be once the install has finished and how the integrated management console will add value to your business, or you can take a break for about 30 minutes and finish that coffee.

Your server will reboot a few times during this period, and with any luck after about 30 minutes you will be presented with a Successful Installation message.

Once your server has finished the installation, you will have several configuration tasks to complete, including configuring the backup, and updating windows adding your users and joining your computers to the domain.

For now, why not congratulate yourself on a job well done.