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August 29th, 2012 14:00
Replace WS2K3 R2 Standard SP2 with Windows 7
I have two Poweredge 2900 servers that I would like to re-purpose as super powered work stations. We have a CPU intensive software that we think would run better with what the server has to offer. I was going to replace it's current OS, windows server 2003 R2 standard SP2, with windows 7 professional. Is this possible? If so, where do I get the Dell drivers for my PE2900. On the dell website Windows 7 is not an option for OS's on the driver page for the PE2900. Are there going to be any ramifications to using a retail copy of windows 7 versus the OEM copy dell would typically send with their computer. I apologize in advance for the novice questions.
Thank you,
Nichol Evensen
DELL-Chris H
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August 29th, 2012 14:00
Nichol,
The 2900's won't support using Windows 7, which is a workstation OS and isn't designed to be used on servers. Nor do they completely detect or understand the hardware on the servers. That doesn't say that it won't work and run, but stability wise you are better off using a server OS.
theflash1932
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August 29th, 2012 15:00
Wow ... sorry guys! I step away from my PC for just a "second" and miss two posts :emotion-10:
I will, however, second Dev Mgr's "video" comment, which I also meant to address ... video RAM is limited to 16MB in the 2900 and adding video cards is more luck than anything.
theflash1932
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August 29th, 2012 15:00
First, no client OS (XP, Vista, 7) is supported by Dell on any server (and vice versa), so Dell will not provide the drivers. That is not to say that it won't work, just that it is up to you to make it work - finding drivers, troubleshooting problems and incompatibilities that may exist in such a configuration. For drivers, you can usually go to the individual device manufacturers' websites for drivers and/or use Server 2008 R2 drivers (unless, of course, you are talking about installing 7x86, in which case you would probably be limited to 2008 x86).
Now, running Windows 7 on a server will also mean that several devices/software will not work, namely, OpenManage Server Administrator.
There are no licensing issues in doing this, as long as you are using a Retail license for Windows 7.
Dev Mgr
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August 29th, 2012 15:00
Typically Windows 2008 R2 drivers will work for Windows 7 (and vice versa), assuming you are using Windows 7 x64.
However, some issues you may run into is the lack of support for a decent videocard, and adding a videocard (one that doesn't require additional port) will be hit or miss on whether it'll work. The onboard video solution is pretty low end and may not be able to run the regular Windows graphical user interface due to the lack of directx10 support.
That being said, if you only need it for number crunching, a fancy GUI isn't that relevant and you can just RDP in (does require Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate).