Any gotchas with putting Windows Server 2008 R2 on a 700Z5C-S03?

Question as title.

Thanks

 

Nobody? I need to narrow down some candidates, pronto.

 

What problems do you anticipate? I understand it shares a lot with Windows 7 for which drivers and software are available.

Are you starting with Windows 7 or Windows 8 on the machine? The latter could create difficulties.

If Windows 7 then it should be a matter of installing Windows then installing SW Update and leaving it to do the work.

Remember to run Samsung Recovery Solution and make some backup discs before you start.

John

 

Looking for driver issues mainly. System ships with Win8.

 

The challenges you face using Windows Server on a notebook usually boil down to the core drivers first, followed by optional stuff later.

Since the machine ships with Windows 8, you have a good shot at getting Windows Server 2012 installed and working using the x64 Windows 8 drivers. Usually there aren't many issues installing the chipset drivers, wired and wifi drivers.

The bigger challenge is going to be the video drivers. Since that machine is Optimus based, you may be forced to use either the Intel HD 4000 (integrated) or NVIDIA (discrete) only. Most likely Optimus won't work on server. I would check and verify you have some control over this in the BIOS.

As for installing R2, if the machine has full Windows 7 driver support (x64), then R2 should run with the same set of caveats.

Don't expect to get bluetooth working. Make sure to install the desktop experience feature.

 

Thanks. All that I pretty much I know - I was kind of hoping someone might have practical insights on the machine / a similar unit. Optimus was a concern, I was assuming you can just install the HD4000 drivers and be done with it.

 

I guess you can come back here and report results then.