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Checklist: Setting Up a Clustered File or Print Server (Failover Cluster)

  • Article

Applies To: Windows Server 2008

  Task Reference

Review hardware and infrastructure requirements for a failover cluster.

Failover Cluster Requirements (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=129108)

Install the failover clustering feature and the appropriate server role (file or print) on every server that will be in the cluster.

Install the Failover Clustering Feature on a Set of Servers

Connect the networks and storage that the cluster will use.

Prepare Hardware Before Validating a Failover Cluster

Run the Validate a Configuration wizard to confirm that the hardware and hardware settings of the servers, network, and storage are compatible with failover clustering. If necessary, adjust hardware or hardware settings and rerun the wizard.

Validate the Nodes, Networks, and Storage for a Failover Cluster

Create the failover cluster.

Create a New Failover Cluster

If the clustered servers are connected to a network that is not to be used for network communication in the cluster (for example, a network intended only for iSCSI or only for backup), then configure that network so that it does not allow cluster communication.

Modify Network Settings for a Failover Cluster

Run the High Availability Wizard and specify the appropriate role (File Server or Print Server), a name for the clustered file server, and IP address information that is not automatically supplied by your DHCP settings. Also specify the storage volume or volumes.

Configure a Service or Application for High Availability

For a clustered file server, add shared folders.

For a clustered print server, configure print settings such as the setting that specifies the printer.

Create a Shared Folder in a Clustered File Server

Configure Print Settings for a Clustered Print Server

Test failover of the clustered file or print server.

Verify the Configuration and Failover of a Clustered Service or Application

Additional references