Windows Server 2003 for Dummies

Despite your best efforts, and even if you've taken all the proper precautions , the occasional Windows 2003 installation will fail. We've seen causes of failure that range from defective media, to network congestion (trying to copy files to too many machines at once), to boot sector viruses. (We hate when that happens!)

When an installation fails, take a deep breath , count to ten, and try any or all of the following corrections:

• Restart the installation: If you get past the initial parts of the character mode portion of the installation, the software is often smart enough to pick up where it left off and carry on from there. If you're that lucky, count your blessings, and then go out and buy a lottery ticket!

• If installation won't pick up where it left off, look for a directory named $WIN_NT$.~LS: (If you're doing a floppyless install with the /B parameter, also look for $WIN_NT$.~BT.) Delete one (or both) of these directories and their contents. The Windows 2003 installation program looks for these directories and attempts to save time by picking up where it left off. This behavior works fine when copies are correct and pristine but can get in the way when problems surface. We include the DOS DELTREE command in our emergency install disk tool kit because it lets us dispatch these directories and their contents quickly and easily.

• If all else fails, repartition and reformat the boot drive to remove all vestiges of your failed attempt: You'll start over with a clean slate! Our emergency install disk tool kit also includes DOS Fdisk and a handy utility called Delpart.exe, which can remove even non-DOS partitions (such as NTFS) from a PC hard drive. Delpart.exe is available for free download from several Web sites. Search your favorite search engine for Delpart.exe.