Server 2008 R2 as Desktop OS: Search & Shutdown Event Tracker - Part 4
Enabling Search and Removing the Shutdown Event Tracker
This installment concludes our series, focusing on activating the search functionality and disabling the Shutdown Event Tracker. A significant number of applications, such as Microsoft Outlook, depend on search capabilities. We will detail the process of enabling this feature.
Prerequisites
Prior to continuing, it is essential to review the preceding articles – parts one through three – of this series. These earlier sections covered the initial Server 2008 configuration, theme enablement, and sound setting activation.
Understanding these foundational steps is crucial for a smooth implementation of the procedures outlined below.
Further Reading
For reference, the initial setup and installation guide for utilizing Server 2008 R2 as a desktop operating system can be found in Using Server 2008 R2 as a Desktop OS: Installation and Setup (Part 1).
This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the initial stages of the process.
Activating Windows Search Functionality
The Windows Search feature is a commonly utilized tool for many users. However, it is not enabled by default within Server 2008 R2. Fortunately, activation is possible.
Initiating the Role Addition Process
To begin, launch Server Manager. Then, right-click on the "Roles" section within the interface and choose "Add Roles" from the resulting context menu.
Navigating the Installation Wizard
Proceed by clicking "Next" on the "Before You Begin" screen. This will display a comprehensive list of installable Roles. Select the "File Services" option and then click "Next" again.
On the "Introduction to File Services" section, another click of "Next" is required to continue.
Selecting the Windows Search Service
The next step involves choosing the necessary Role Services. From the available options, specifically select the Windows Search Service.
Drive Selection for Indexing
You will then be prompted to choose the drives to be indexed by Windows Search. Consider that a greater number of selected drives will extend the time required to build the index.
This, in turn, will impact system performance for a longer duration. Given a single drive in this instance, select it and proceed by clicking "Next," followed by "Install" to finalize the process.
Completion and Search Availability
Upon successful completion of the installation, the ability to search for files will be immediately available.
Deactivating the Shutdown Event Tracker
Typically, on a server environment, tracking the reasons for system shutdowns is crucial. However, when utilizing a server operating system as a desktop OS, this feature can become disruptive. Fortunately, the Shutdown Event Tracker can be readily disabled through Group Policy.
To access the Group Policy Management Console, simultaneously press the Windows key and the 'R' key. This will open a Run dialog box. Then, type 'gpedit.msc' and press Enter.
Navigating to the Policy Setting
Once the Local Group Policy Management console is open, navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System
Within the right-hand pane, scroll down until you locate the setting labeled "Display Shutdown Event Tracker".
Double-click this setting to open its configuration window.
Disabling the Tracker
Change the setting from "Not Configured" to "Disabled". This will prevent the system from logging shutdown events.
Applying the Changes
To ensure the new settings are applied, restart your computer. Alternatively, you can execute the command 'gpupdate /force' in a Run dialog box to refresh the policy without a reboot.
This concludes this short series of adjustments. Numerous other customizations can be implemented to optimize the system. For example, configuring the IE Enhanced Security Policy allows for safe web browsing. Share any additional tweaks or hacks you employ in the comments below.