Lecture Notes: Setting Up File Servers in Windows Server 2022

Presenter: Adam Gordon (ITProTV Edutainer)

Introduction

• Presenter: Adam Gordon, ITProTV Edutainer.
• Session Topic: Setting up a File Server using File Services in Windows Server 2022.
• Purpose: To demystify the process of setting up a File Server.
• Platform: ITProTV and YouTube for more in-depth training and episodes.

Overview of File Services in Windows Server 2022

Context & Importance

• Common Question: How to set up a File Server in Windows Server 2022?
• Purpose: Centralized solution for sharing resources and managing access.
• Misconception: It’s complicated. Reality: It’s straightforward with proper guidance.
• Environment: Demonstration on a Server 2022 virtual machine.

Opening Server Manager

• Access: Start Menu > Server Manager tile (upper left-hand corner).
• Default Setup: File and Storage Services may be pre-configured.
• Verify if File and Storage Services are available.

Exploring File and Storage Services

• Components to Check: Volumes, Discs, Storage Pools.
  • Example: Single-disc setup, availability of volumes.
• Additional Configuration: Necessary if File Server is not visible.

Configuring the File Server

Steps to Install the File Server Role

1. Open Manage Menu: Top-right corner in Server Manager.
2. Select Add Roles and Features.
   • ‘Before you Begin’ screen: Overview, can skip in the future.
3. Select Installation Type: Role or Feature-based Installation.
   • Alternative: Remote Desktop Services (not covered here).
4. Server Selection: Choose the local server or another server if managing multiple.
   • Virtual Hard Disc option available, requires .vhdx file path.
5. Role Selection:
   • Select File and Storage Services > Expand File and iSCSI services.
   • Check File Server option.
   • Additional Options: File Server Resource Manager, File Server VSS Agent Service.
6. Feature Installation: Automatic support tool installation (e.g., RSAT).
7. Review & Install: Check summary, optionally set to auto-restart server.
   • Installation duration varies (30 seconds to several minutes).

Verifying Installation & Configuring Shares

Post-Installation Overview

• Access File Server Resource Manager through Tools Menu.
• Verify new components in File and Storage Services: Shares, iSCSI, Work Folders.
• Shares: Create and manage shares.
• iSCSI Services: Provision virtual discs.
• Work Folders: Configuration and management similar to Shares.

Using File Server Resource Manager

• Manage File Server deeply: Quotas, File Screening, Storage Usage Reporting, etc.
• Optional but increases management capabilities.
• Available post-installation.

Conclusion

• Process Overviewed: Filed Server and Resource Manager Installation.
• Key Insight: Complexity decreases once process is started and understood.
• Call to Action: Subscribe to YouTube channel for more tutorials from ITProTV.

Final Notes

• Emphasis: Start the process, it's manageable with these steps.
• Engagement: Watch ITProTV for more content, trainings, and episodes.
• Sign-off: Happy Severing until next time.