Checklist: Create a Clustered File Server

On every server that will be in the cluster, open Server Manager, click Add roles and then use the Add Roles Wizard to add the File Services role and any role services that are needed.

Help in Server Manager

Review hardware and infrastructure requirements for a failover cluster.

Understanding Requirements for Failover Clusters

Install the Failover Clustering feature on every server that will be in the cluster.

Install the Failover Clustering Feature

Connect the networks and storage that the cluster will use.

Prepare Hardware Before Validating a Failover Cluster

Run the Validate a Configuration Wizard on all the servers that you want to cluster, to confirm that the hardware and hardware settings of the servers, network, and storage are compatible with failover clustering. If necessary, adjust hardware or hardware settings and rerun the wizard until all tests pass (required for support).

Validate a New or Existing Failover Cluster

Create the failover cluster.

Create a New Failover Cluster

If the clustered servers are connected to a network that is not to be used for network communication in the cluster (for example, a network intended only for iSCSI or only for backup), then configure that network so that it does not allow cluster communication.

Modify Network Settings for a Failover Cluster

Run the High-Availability Wizard and specify the File Server role, a name for the clustered file server, and IP address information that is not automatically supplied by your DHCP settings. Also specify the storage volume or volumes.

Configure a Service or Application for High Availability

Add shared folders to the clustered file server as needed.

Create a Shared Folder in a Clustered File Server

Test the failover of the clustered file server.

Test the Failover of a Clustered Service or Application