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Install the MPIO feature
10 Dell EMC SC Series Storage and Microsoft Multipath I/O | CML1004
3 Install the MPIO feature
Microsoft includes a built-in DSM for Windows Server 2008 and newer that manages all aspects of failover
and load balancing. SC Series storage uses this DSM because it provides all necessary functionality. This
also simplifies implementation as it eliminates the need to install and maintain another software component in
the environment.
The Microsoft DSM is not functional on Windows Server until the MPIO feature is installed. The Microsoft
DSM for Windows Server can manage iSCSI, FC, and SAS FE volumes.
3.1 Windows Server 2008 R2
On Windows Server 2008 R2, the MPIO feature can be installed using Server Manager. Server Manager
offers two options for installing the MPIO feature: the Server Manager graphical user interface (GUI) or the
servermanagercmd command line interface (CLI).
To access Server Manager, click Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Server Manager, or click
the Server Manager icon in the taskbar.
3.1.1 Server manager GUI
To install MPIO using the Server Manager GUI, perform the following steps:
1. Open Server Manager.
2. In the tree view, click Features.
3. Under Features Summary, click Add Features.
4. Check MPIO and click Next.
5. Click Install.
6. Once the feature is installed, reboot the server.
3.1.2 Windows Server manager CLI
1. To install MPIO using the CLI, open a command prompt with elevated (administrator) privileges and
type:
Servermanagercmd -install "Multipath-IO"
2. Reboot the server.
3.1.3 Windows Server Core
1. For a Window Server 2008 R2 Core installation, open a command prompt and type (commands are
case sensitive):
DISM /online /enable-feature:MultipathIo
2. Reboot the server.