Validating a Failover Cluster Configuration

Applies To: Windows Server 2008

Before you create a failover cluster, we strongly recommend that you validate your configuration, that is, that you run all tests in the Validate a Configuration Wizard. By running the tests, you can confirm that your hardware and settings are compatible with failover clustering.

You can run the tests on a set of servers and storage devices either before or after you have configured them as a failover cluster.

Important

Microsoft supports a failover cluster solution only if the complete configuration (servers, network, and storage) can pass all tests in the Validate a Configuration wizard. In addition, all hardware components in the solution must be marked as "Certified for Windows Server 2008."

With the Validate a Configuration Wizard, you can run the complete set of configuration tests or a subset of the tests. The wizard provides a report that shows the result of each test that was run.

• Understanding Requirements for Failover Clusters

• Understanding Microsoft Support of Cluster Solutions

• Understanding Cluster Validation Tests

• Prepare Hardware Before Validating a Failover Cluster

• Validate a New or Existing Failover Cluster

Additional references

• Use Validation Tests for Troubleshooting a Failover Cluster

• For troubleshooting information for failover clusters, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=86170.

• For design and deployment information for failover clusters, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=86168.