This article describes the Microsoft Support Policy for Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 Failover Cluster implementations. For the Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 Failover Clustering solution to be considered an officially supported solution by Microsoft Customer Support Services (CSS), the solution must meet the following criteria:
In Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2, the proposed solution must pass the full Validate test. Validate runs a focused set of tests on a collection of servers that are intended to be used as a cluster. These tests perform the following functions:
Note All reports that are generated by a wizard-like process inside the Failover Clusters Management snap-in are stored in the %systemroot%\cluster\Reports directory.
In a typical scenario, you must run the Validate test on fully configured solutions before you install the Failover Cluster feature to verify the proposed solution. All tests must pass with either of the following indicators:
The Validate test should also be run whenever a major component of the cluster is changed or updated. The following are examples (This is not a complete list.) of configuration changes that require that you run the Validate test again before the cluster configuration can be supported:
Another scenario in which Microsoft Support may request that you run the Validate test on production clusters is when there is a cluster storage failure that some underlying storage configuration change or failure could have caused. Be aware that the disk resources and the resources on which these disks depend will be taken offline during the test. However, this storage test can help isolate the cause of the failure. Therefore, this storage test should be run when the production environment can accommodate the downtime.
- All hardware and software components must meet the qualifications to receive a “Certified for Windows Server 2008” logo.
- The fully configured solution must pass the Validate test in the Failover Clusters Management snap-in.
Changes for Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2
Make sure that you run the cluster validation process on fully configured hardware that is running Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2 before you configure the cluster software. The cluster validation process identifies potential hardware, software, or other configuration issues before you implement a cluster and put it in production. The cluster validation process must be used with hardware and software that is certified under the Windows Server Logo Program for Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2.In Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2, the proposed solution must pass the full Validate test. Validate runs a focused set of tests on a collection of servers that are intended to be used as a cluster. These tests perform the following functions:
- Hardware and software inventory
- Network analysis
- Storage tests
- System configuration
Note All reports that are generated by a wizard-like process inside the Failover Clusters Management snap-in are stored in the %systemroot%\cluster\Reports directory.
In a typical scenario, you must run the Validate test on fully configured solutions before you install the Failover Cluster feature to verify the proposed solution. All tests must pass with either of the following indicators:
- A green check mark (passed)
- A yellow yield sign (warning)
Note The yellow yield sign indicates that this particular aspect of the proposed solution is not in alignment with Microsoft best practices. However, this aspect will still work and will be considered a supported configuration.
The Validate test should also be run whenever a major component of the cluster is changed or updated. The following are examples (This is not a complete list.) of configuration changes that require that you run the Validate test again before the cluster configuration can be supported:
- Adding a node to the cluster
- Upgrading or replacing the storage hardware
- Upgrading thefirmware or the driver for host bus adapters (HBAs)
- Updatingthe multipathing software or the DSM
- Changing or updating any network adapter
Another scenario in which Microsoft Support may request that you run the Validate test on production clusters is when there is a cluster storage failure that some underlying storage configuration change or failure could have caused. Be aware that the disk resources and the resources on which these disks depend will be taken offline during the test. However, this storage test can help isolate the cause of the failure. Therefore, this storage test should be run when the production environment can accommodate the downtime.