This article describes how to order and use Windows Server 2016.
DEPRECATED We do not offer Windows Server 2016 for new orders.
We offer Microsoft Windows Server 2016 as an add-on to your dedicated server at favorable rates.
Ordering the Windows add-on
To install Windows Server 2016 on your server, please order the corresponding Add-on via the client’s area. Here you will also find the terms and conditions.
Following the order, installation is carried out on your server automatically. You will receive notification by email once this has been successfully completed.
Remote Desktop access
Subsequently, it is possible for you to connect to your server with full Administrator rights using a Remote Desktop client. Most Windows variants are delivered with a Remote Desktop (rdp) client, found under Start -> Program -> Accessories. On Linux, please install the xfreerdp package or one of the many alternatives. Windows is delivered with the program mstsc though alternatives such as Terminals can be used.
To log in, please use the user name Administrator and the password you chose when ordering the add-on.
Additional RDP licenses (Per User) can be ordered via a Support Request: Windows Server Remotedesktopservices
Change password with first access
The first time you login, Windows will ask you to change your initial password. This is for server security reasons. Please choose a good password that is not easy to guess.
Please note that the first login does not allow network level authentication. For more information, please see Changing the Windows password during first login.
Software RAID 1 / drive mirroring
Windows 2016 enables you to join several installed drives into a Software RAID 1 (mirroring), so that in the event of one drive failing, all data are still stored on the second drive.
When you order a Windows server from us, it is automatically equipped with mirroring if there are two equal size drives.
Setting up a software RAID in Windows 2016 is similar to setting it up in Windows 2012 and 2008 R2. Instructions on how to set up a Software RAID in Windows Server 2016 can be found here: Windows Server software RAID
Windows Recovery Environment / Recovery Console
Should the Boot loader or Boot sector need to be repaired or should, for example, a complete backup of a previously made backup be loaded from the Storage Box, the Windows Recovery Console (Recovery Environment / RE) is useful.
Legacy
First, you should order a KVM remote console and ask to have the Windows Recovery Environment pre-loaded, so that you have direct access to your server monitor and keyboard. The technicians will restart the server and it will boot the Windows RE via the network. As soon as Windows has loaded, a graphical interface will appear with instructions for you to follow.
UEFI
With an UEFI installation the Windows Recovery Environment can not be loaded via PXE. In this case, the technicians provide a KVM Console with a USB stick with Windows RE.
Frequently asked questions / FAQ
Forgotten password
If you have forgotten your Administrator password, you can have your password reset via a Support Request in the client’s area.
Reset service
The behavior of Windows is such that CTRL+ALT+DEL only triggers the Authentication Dialogue Box. Consequently, the Send CTRL+ALT+DEL function of our Reset Service is unfortunately not able to restart the server at this point. A hardware reset should, however, still work as intended.
Windows Update Service
For technical reasons, the Windows Update Service for our Windows Installations is set so that updates can only be downloaded and not installed.
In order to change this, you need to adjust the Registry. To start this, enter the command regedit in the Run dialogue.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Polices\\Microsoft\\Windows\\WindowsUpdate\\AU and set the AUOptions key to 5.
Now you can adjust the update function in the control panel.
Windows Backup Service
Should the Windows Backup Service (feature) need to be used together with a Storage Box, a user must be set up on the local system, which has the same name as the Backup Account. This user should then be entered as a member into the Backup Operators group.
Use of own licenses
We take part in the Microsoft SPLA Program. The Windows License made available to us is thus an SPLA License. The combining of clients´ own Microsoft licenses with the SPLA License would have to be put in writing (contract), as the client would have to commission to host the product. Furthermore, the deployment of an own Microsoft license would not be possible in every case (e.g. for terminal server licenses). Therefore, in view of the increased administrative time and effort that would be involved, we have chosen not to permit the combining of licenses. Hence, the use of own Microsoft licenses on a Windows operating system leased from us is not possible.
However, a client is able to install their own Windows version, using their own license. It is possible to install Windows via a KVM Console.
Included license for Hyper-V in the Standard Edition
As part of our SPLA license you have an additional license for use on a Hyper-V instance when using the Standard Edition. You can use this as follows:
- Order an additional single IP via the client’s area
- Make a note of the virtual MAC
- Create a new instance
- Add the Legacy Network Adapter and assign the MAC
- Start the instance and let it boot via PXE
- If successful the PXE Boot Menu will appear (blue logo)
- Activate the Windows installation via the client’s area for the additional IP
- Boot the instance via PXE again, and instead of the menu the installation of Windows is started. Once the standard login screen appears you can use the instance
