Installing SharePoint 2007 on Windows Server 2008 R2

Obviously when we get a new development machine, we install the latest Microsoft software in order to test the latest applications.  All in all Windows Server 2008 R2, is basically the server version on Windows 7, therefore it shares many drivers, and many common issues with its counterpart.  Therefore its no surprise that SharePoint 2007 does not install from disk to a Windows 7, or Windows Server 2008 R2 installation.

In order to install SharePoint, you need to create what is called a “Slipstream” version, which in essence means rolling up all the latest service packs into the installation.  Something that Microsoft I’m sure will get round to releasing in due course.  However in the meantime you can follow these simple instructions.

• Download the following Service packs:
  • http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=79bada82-c13f-44c1-bdc1-d0447337051b
  • http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=b7816d90-5fc6-4347-89b0-a80deb27a082
• Copy all installation files from the installation disc to your local hard disk.
• Remove EVERYTHING from the Updates Folder, from within the following directory:  [ExtractedPath]X64 or [ExtractedPath]X32
• Run the following from a command prompt:
  • wssv3sp2-kb953338-x64-fullfile-en-us.exe /extract:[ExtractedPath]Updates /quiet
  • officeserver2007sp2-kb953334-x64-fullfile-en-us.exe /extract:[ExtractedPath]Updates /quiet
• Now Install SharePoint 2007 as you would have done before.

I would advise burning that back to a disk, so you don’t have to do it in the future.   You may still get a few compatibility issues, but it seems to install and run as expected.