Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 and the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 are available on MSDN/TechNet - here's how to install them

After this post was release, the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 for Windows Server 2008 R2 became available as a public download.
For details, check https://blogs.technet.com/b/josebda/archive/2011/04/04/microsoft-iscsi-software-target-3-3-for-windows-server-2008-r2-available-for-public-download.aspx


Overview

You probably heard that Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 has been Released To Manufacturing (RTM) last week.

That means that the OEMs will soon deliver a new generation of Windows-based NAS appliances with a file server (SMB2, NFS) and an iSCSI Target (using the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target  3.3).

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What you might have missed is that Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 is also now available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers for evaluation. This means subscribers can now use the Microsoft iSCSI Target 3.3 for Development, Test and all other non-production purposes.

While this was also the case for Windows Storage Server 2008, this new R2 release allows you to install the iSCSI Target on any existing Windows Server 2008 R2 by simply installing an MSI (Microsoft Installer) file. That’s much more convenient for Developers, Testers and IT Profressionals out there.

Usage Scenarios

Here are a few things you could do with the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target:

  • Setup a test environment for Hyper-V (using Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2) using iSCSI shared storage.
  • On a single laptop (with enough resources) create a development environment running a SQL Server cluster (two nodes, plus shared storage).
  • Evaluate Windows Server 2008 R2 Cluster Shared Volumes (CSV) and Hyper-V Live Migration, using only regular Windows Server hardware.

You are probably thinking of a few other ways to use this. If they are for evaluation (TechNet Plus or MSDN), demonstration (MSDN), development (MSDN) or test (MSDN), they are probably good scenarios as well.

Download

Find below the information from the MSDN/TechNet site where you download the bits:

  • Name: Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Embedded (Standard, Enterprise, Workgroup) with iSCSI Software Target 3.3 (x64) - DVD
  • Size: 947 (MB)
  • File Name: mu_windows_storage_server_2008_r2_embed_stand_ent_work_with_iscsi_software_target_3.3 _x64_dvd_587719.iso
  • Date Published (UTC): 9/27/2010 3:01:52 PM
  • Last Updated (UTC): 9/27/2010 3:01:52 PM
  • SHA1: CAC10773B6DD63FD397F5F00252B252CAF70EE40
  • ISO/CRC: 0C19C89F
  • Instructions and Resources: You must first install Windows Server 2008 R2 before installing this product.  The license agreement for this product references a 180-day term. This download will retain full functionality even after 180 days. The following languages are included in this download: Chinese-Simplified, Chinese-Traditional, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese-Brazil, Russian, and Spanish.

No keys are required for this download.

Unpacking

The file you will find on MSDN/TechNet is, as you saw above, an ISO file. To look inside of that, you can burn that ISO file to a physical DVD or use one of the many tools that can mount an ISO image as a virtual DVD.

Inside that ISO file there is an executable file (Windows_Storage_Server_2008_R2+iSCSI_SW_Target_33.exe), which you need to run to unpack the two ISO files inside (iSCSI_Software_Target_33.ISO and Windows_Storage_Server_2008_R2.ISO).

Inside the iSCSI_Software_Target_33.ISO file, in the x64 folder, you will find three MSI files, one of which is the only file that you really need to install the iSCSI Target, called iscsitarget.MSI.

To help you understand the installation process, here’s a little diagram of the required steps to unpack and deploy Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 from that executable file.

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Note: Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 end users will never need to perform this unpacking and installation, since they will receive a system with a pre-configured image from their OEM.

Understanding the Files

To be clear, here are the names of the outer ISO (the file you download from MSDN/TechNet), the EXE file and the two inner ISO files:

  • mu_windows_storage_server_2008_r2_embed_stand_ent_work_with_iscsi_software_target_3.3 _x64_dvd_587719.iso
    • Windows_Storage_Server_2008_R2+iSCSI_SW_Target_33.exe
      • iSCSI_Software_Target_33.iso
      • Windows_Storage_Server_2008_R2.iso

After all the unpacking above is done, imagine you mounted the iSCSI_Software_Target_33.iso file as your E: drive and the Windows_Storage_Server_2008_R2.iso file as F:.

Now find below the complete list of files in each of these two ISO files, with some comments.  

File Comment
E:\Index.htm AutoRUN files (includes a web page pointing to the documentation and installation files)
E:\autorun.inf
E:\bkgd-page-servers-dynagrid.jpg
E:\copyright.jpg
E:\wssr2logo.bmp
E:\Documentation\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc iSCSI Target 3.3 - Getting Started Guide (in English)
E:\Documentation\iSCSI_Target_33_OEM_Guide.doc iSCSI Target 3.3 - OEM Guide (in English)
E:\Documentation\iSCSI_Target_33_Release_Notes.doc iSCSI Target 3.3 - Release Notes (in English)
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\chs\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc iSCSI Target 3.3 - Getting Started Guide (in the 10 additional languages provided)
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\cht\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\deu\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\esn\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\fra\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\ita\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\jpn\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\kor\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\ptb\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
E:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\rus\iSCSI_Target_33_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
E:\x64\iscsitarget.msi This is the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target installation file (only available for x64 platforms)
E:\x64\iscsitargetClient.msi This include the VDS, VSS and HPC providers for the iSCSI Target (for x64 platforms)
E:\x86\iscsitargetClient.msi This include the VDS and VSS providers for the iSCSI Target (for 32-bit systems)
F:\Documentation\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 - Getting Started Guide (in English)
F:\Documentation\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_OEM_Guide.doc Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 - OEM Guide (in English)
F:\Documentation\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Release_Notes.doc Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 - Release Notes (in English)
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\chs\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 - Getting Started Guide (in the 10 additional languages provided)
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\cht\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\deu\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\esn\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\fra\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\ita\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\jpn\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\kor\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\ptb\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
F:\Documentation\Getting_Started_Guides\rus\Windows_Storage_Server_2008R2_Getting_Started_Guide.doc
F:\Language Packs\de-de\lp.cab Language Packs for the 10 additional languages provided
F:\Language Packs\es-es\lp.cab
F:\Language Packs\fr-fr\lp.cab
F:\Language Packs\it-it\lp.cab
F:\Language Packs\ja-jp\lp.cab
F:\Language Packs\ko-kr\lp.cab
F:\Language Packs\pt-br\lp.cab
F:\Language Packs\ru-ru\lp.cab
F:\Language Packs\zh-cn\lp.cab
F:\Language Packs\zh-tw\lp.cab
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB2032276-x64.msu Updates to Windows Server 2008 R2
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB2222746-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB2297384-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB2386288-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB947821-v5-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB971468-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB972270-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB974431-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB974562-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB974571-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB975467-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB975496-v2-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB975560-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB976096-v2-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB976264-v2-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB976662-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB976749-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB977020-v2-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB977074-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB977375-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB977894-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB978001-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB978157-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB978542-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB978562-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB978601-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB978637-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979056-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979099-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979306-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979309-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979482-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979539-v3-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979559-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979683-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979916-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB979940-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB980195-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB980218-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB980232-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB980302-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB980408-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB981166-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB981314-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB981332-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB981710-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB981892-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB981983-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB982018-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB982381-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB982666-x64.msu
F:\OS Updates\Windows6.1-KB983440-x64.msu
F:\Windows Storage Server 2008 R2\Windows6.1-KB976833-x64-SIS.msu Single Instance Storage (SIS) component
F:\Windows Storage Server 2008 R2\Windows6.1-KB976835-x64-WebRDP.msu Web-based management (WebRDP) component
F:\Windows Storage Server 2008 R2\Windows6.1-KB976836-x64-OOBE.msu Out-Of-the-Box-Experience (OOBE)  for Storage Server
F:\Windows Storage Server 2008 R2\Windows6.1-KB982048-x64-WorkgroupBranding.MSU Branding for the Workgroup Edition of Storage Server
F:\Windows Storage Server 2008 R2\Windows6.1-KB982049-x64-StandardBranding.MSU Branding for the Standard Edition of Storage Server
F:\Windows Storage Server 2008 R2\Windows6.1-KB982050-x64-EnterpriseBranding.MSU Branding for the Enterprise Edition of Storage Server

Install just the iSCSI Target

If you’re installing the just iSCSI Target on a virtual machine, you can just mount the iSCSI_Software_Target_33.ISO file as a virtual DVD and run the \x64\iscsitarget.msi file inside it.

If you’re running the target on a physical server, you can burn the iSCSI_Software_Target_33.ISO file to a physical DVD or use one of the many tools that can mount an ISO image.

Another option for physical server is to copy the jut the iscsitarget.MSI that’s inside iSCSI_Software_Target_33.ISO file to a USB disk or file share and install from there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I extract the contents of an ISO file?
A: You need to burn the ISO to a DVD or use a tool to mount it as a virtual DVD. More details can be found at https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/aa948864.aspx

Q: I tried to install the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 on Windows Server 2008 and it did not work. What’s the problem?
A: The Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 can only be installed on Windows Server 2008 R2.

Q: Should I apply Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) to Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 as it becomes available?
A: Yes. We also recommend enabling Automatic Updates for Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 if you downloaded it from MSDN or TechNet Plus. If you have an OEM copy of Windows Storage Server 2008 R2, you should contact your OEM for guidance in this area.

Q: I can’t find the x86 version of Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 or the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3. Where is it?
A: Windows Storage Server 2008 R2, as Windows Server 2008 R2, is  provided in only in an x64 version.

Q: I can’t find the documentation for Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 on the web. Where is it?
A: The documentation is inside the package. That includes Release Notes, a Getting Started Guide and an OEM Guide. Check the table above with the file list for details.

Q: Can I install my MSDN or TechNet Plus version of Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 or the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 in a Hyper-V virtual machine?
A: Yes, if you downloaded it from MSDN or TechNet Plus. We do it all the time.

Q: I installed the OOBE (Windows6.1-KB976836-x64-OOBE.msu) but I get the message "Microsoft NAS OOBE has stopped working" when I log on. What's wrong?
A: You have to install .NET Framework 3.51 to use the Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 OOBE. For details on how to install the .NET Framework, see https://blogs.msdn.com/b/sqlblog/archive/2010/01/08/how-to-install-net-framework-3-5-sp1-on-windows-server-2008-r2-environments.aspx

Q: I am not an MSDN or TechNet Plus subscriber. How can I download an evaluation version of Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 or the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3?
A: Evaluation versions of Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 or the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 are only being offered to MSDN or TechNet Plus subscribers.

Q: How can I subscribe to MSDN or TechNet Plus?
A: You can learn how to subscribe using https://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions for MSDN and https://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions for TechNet Plus.

Q: Can I use the MSDN or TechNet Plus version of Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 or the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 in my production environment?
A: No. As with any software you download from MSDN and TechNet Plus, they can only be used for evaluation (TechNet Plus or MSDN), demonstration (MSDN), development (MSDN) or test (MSDN). Review the details at https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/cc150618.aspx for MSDN and at https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/cc294422.aspx for TechNet Plus.

Q: I am an MSDN or TechNet Plus subscriber. Can I share this MSDN or TechNet Plus software with other people in my company that are not MSDN or TechNet Plus subscribers?
A: No. Each person that needs to install or access the software needs his or her own subscription. Review the details at https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/cc150618.aspx for MSDN and at https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/cc294422.aspx for TechNet Plus.

Q: How can I obtain a copy of Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 or the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 for my production environment?
A: You need to acquire an OEM hardware solution that comes pre-installed with Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 with the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3.

Q: Can I license just the Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 software (or the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 software) for production use without an OEM hardware?
A: No. This software is only licensed for production use as part of an OEM solution.

Additional Links

Additional information about Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 and the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 can be found at the Windows Storage Server blog: https://blogs.technet.com/storageserver

You can also find other posts in this blog about Storage Server at https://blogs.technet.com/b/josebda/archive/tags/windows+storage+server