Validating a Cluster Configuration – Managing Data in a Hybrid Network

Configuring a failover cluster in Windows Server 2022 is much simpler than in previous versions of Windows Server. Before a cluster can be configured, run the Validate A Configuration Wizard to verify that your hardware is configured in a fashion that is supportable. Before you can run the Validate A Configuration Wizard, however, the Failover Clustering feature needs to be installed using Server Manager. The account that is used to create a cluster must have administrative rights on each of the cluster nodes and have permission to create a cluster name object in Active Directory. Follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that you meet the hardware and software perquisites.
  2. Install the Failover Clustering feature on each server.
  3. Log in with the appropriate user ID and run the Validate A Configuration Wizard.
  4. Create a cluster.
  5. Install and cluster applications and services.

To install the Failover Clustering feature on a cluster node, follow the steps outlined in Exercise 13.2.

EXERCISE 13.2

Installing the Failover Cluster Feature
  1. Press the Windows Key and select Administrative Tools Server Manager.
  2. Select number 2, Add Roles And Features.
  3. At the Select Installation Type screen, choose a role- based or feature- based installation.
  4. At the Select Destination Server screen, choose Select A Server From The Server Pool and click Next.
  5. At the Select Server Roles screen, click Next.
  6. At the Select Features screen, click the Failover Clustering (see Figure 13.13) check box. If the Add Features dialog box appears, click the Add Features button. Click Next.

FIGURE 13.13 Failover Cluster feature

7. At the confirmation screen (see Figure 13.14), click the Install button.

FIGURE 13.14 Confirmation screen

8. Once the installation is complete, click Close.

9. Close Server Manager.

Using the Validate A Configuration Wizard before creating a cluster is highly recommended. This wizard validates that the hardware and the software for the potential cluster nodes are in a supported configuration. Even if the configuration passes the tests, take care to review all warnings and informational messages so that they can be addressed or documented before you create the cluster.

Running the Validate A Configuration Wizard does the following:

       Conducts four types of tests (software and hardware inventory, network, storage, and system configuration)

       Confirms that the hardware and software settings are supportable by Microsoft support staff

You should run the Validate A Configuration Wizard before creating a cluster or after making any major hardware or software changes to the cluster. Doing this will help you identify any misconfigurations that could cause problems with the failover cluster.

Leave a Reply