Directory Server INstallation on WinXP

Question

Hi all,
I have tried to install DS5.2 on my win XP PRO machine and have different problems. From my search in this forum i have found conflicting information posted around...
I have found posts that say that DS5.2 cannot be installed or is not supported on Win Xp. Others say the opposite and claim to have it working just fine. i have read that JDK 1.5 has to be installed (which i have) and other details to keep this short.
I have two problems which i would appreciate if any of you could help me with.
1. I initially installed DS5.2 just for testing purposes and then had to uninstall manually. I have removed the installation folder as well as registry entries ( To the best of my knowledge). Since then i have tried to re-install DS5.2 but the installation hangs a few steps in to the installation with a message saying " Loading Components".
Again i did a search over the forum and i found that maybe some o the files might have stayed behind (after uninstall) or that other files have to be renamed???? Can someone that has dealt with this provide some guidance?
2. In order not to mess it up again could someone help me with the right procesure for installation of DS5.2 ( provided that the problem is solved and i dont have to re-install windows all together...)?
I appreciate your time and assistance in advance.
Thanks Evan

Answer 1

DS5.2 can be installed and working on WinXP latest SP, as well as Win2000 latest SP.
You are not alone, search this forum for keyword "windows", there are many other issues reported for DS5.2 Windows version installation or uninstallation.
I suspect somehow DS5.2 installation/uninstallation changes/updates certian Windows system DLL files in system32 directory, and these changes causes subsequent install/uninstall issues. A related discussion is at Reply 8 of 15 of:
http://swforum.sun.com/jive/thread.jspa?forumID=13&threadID=58600
I think we may achieve the effect of uninstallation, as a last resort, by:
1) Remove DS5.2 sw componet registry keys and windows service keys
2) Remove all temp files left by incomplete installation/uninstallation by looking at %TEMP% directory
3) Remove all files under DS5.2 ROOT directory
I have a feeling that if we observe some of these guidelines, we may (or may not have) have less troubles and frustrations.
0) Read the Release Notes, Installation Noes and/or Patch Notes, don't rush.
1) Do not install DS5.2 on a domain controller, or a member of any existing domain or workgroup, to reduce dependencies on network security services, do install it on a stand-alone server.
2) Apply SP4 to WIndows 2000 prior to DS5.2 installation, or latest SP to Windows XP.
3) Make sure the display supports 256 colors.
4) Make sure Administrator account is used
5) Make sure %TEMP% directory has enough disk space
7) The default DS5.2 install root directory may contain spaces, eg: c:\Program Files\..., change it to folder name WITHOUT spaces, eg: c:\Sun\DS52.
8) Use the undocumented ".\setup.exe -debug" command to see more debugging messages.
Gary