Step 2: Deploy the Head Node

  • Article

Applies To: Windows HPC Server 2008

The next step in the deployment of your HPC cluster is to deploy the head node. The following checklist describes the steps involved in deploying the head node.

Checklist: Deploy the head node

Task Description

2.1. Install Windows Server 2008 on the head node computer

Install Windows Server 2008 HPC Edition, or another 64-bit edition of Windows Server 2008 on the computer that will act as the head node.

2.2. Join the head node computer to a domain

Join the computer that will act as the head node to a Microsoft Active Directory Domain.

2.3. Install Microsoft HPC Pack 2008 on the head node computer

Install Microsoft HPC Pack 2008 on the computer that will act as the head node, using the installation media or from a network location.

2.1. Install Windows Server 2008 on the head node computer

To deploy the head node of your HPC cluster, you must start by installing Windows Server 2008 HPC Edition, or another 64-bit edition of Windows Server 2008 on the computer that will act as the head node. For more information about installing Windows Server 2008, including system requirements, see Installing Windows Server 2008 (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=119578).

Important

We strongly recommend that you perform a clean installation of Windows Server 2008 before installing Microsoft HPC Pack 2008. If you want to install Microsoft HPC Pack 2008 on an existing installation of Windows Server 2008, remove all server roles first and then follow the procedures in this guide.

Note

It is recommended that you obtain the latest device drivers for your head node computer from the Web site of your hardware vendors.

2.2. Join the head node computer to a domain

As described in the Step 1: Prepare for Your Deployment section, the head node must be a member of an Active Directory domain. After you have installed Windows Server 2008 on the head node, manually join the head node to an existing Active Directory domain.

2.3. Install Microsoft HPC Pack 2008 on the head node computer

After Windows Server 2008 is installed on the head node computer, and the head node is joined to an Active Directory domain, you can install Microsoft® HPC Pack 2008 on the head node.

To install Microsoft HPC Pack 2008 on the head node computer

  1. To start the Microsoft HPC Pack 2008 installation wizard on the computer that will act as the head node, run setup.exe from the HPC Pack 2008 installation media or from a network location.

  2. On the Getting Started page, click Next.

  3. On the Microsoft Software License Terms page, read or print the software license terms in the license agreement, and accept or reject the terms of that agreement. If you accept the terms, click Next.

  4. On the Select Installation Type page, click Create a new HPC cluster by creating a head node, and then click Next.

  5. Continue to follow the steps in the installation wizard.