Installing and Upgrading on Cluster Nodes

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Installing and upgrading on cluster nodes

With Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition or Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, you can use clustering to ensure that users have constant access to important server-based resources. With clustering, you create several cluster nodes that appear to users as one server. If one of the nodes in the cluster fails, another node begins to provide service (a process known as failover). Mission-critical applications and resources remain continuously available.

The following topics describe the options for upgrading or installing on cluster nodes.

• Before performing an upgrade, see Checklist: Preparation for upgrading a cluster

• Before performing a new installation, see Checklist: Preparation for installing a cluster

• For tips on upgrading and installing on cluster nodes, see Best practices for installing and upgrading cluster nodes

• For help with specific tasks, see How to upgrade cluster nodes

• For general background information, see Concepts for installing and upgrading cluster nodes

• For problem-solving instructions, see Troubleshooting cluster node installations.