Stick the DVD in the drive and boot to install.  Chances are that Windows 7, like Server 2008R2 will NOT have the drivers for the RAID controller (PERC 4e/Di), so use the 2008R2 driver for the RAID controller (and any other devices that need drives post-install). PERC 4e/Di RAID controller driver for 2008R2:[URL] Also keep in mind that the PERC does NOT support non-RAID, so you MUST configure RAID before attempting to install, or even with the correct driver, no drives can be seen. Potential problems: Graphics - You will likely need to use the 2008x64 graphics/video drivers for a decent resolution.  Also keep in mind that server graphics (like 16MB of video memory) will NOT run Aero or high resolutions/refresh rates. DRAC - if you have a DRAC (Dell Remote Access Controller) installed, you will not be able to install drivers to address those devices in Device Manager. System Management - Dell's management software is NOT supported on client OS's. Other: Processors in the 2850 do NOT support VT, so you would be very limited with any virtualization options. Sound - there is no sound on a server.  
Hello everyone. I was wondering how I could go about installing an operating system, specifically Windows 7 or Windows XP, onto my server. I understand that they aren't made for the server, but I'd like to use Windows 7 instead of the server OS. Windows XP is an option but I'd rather not, if I don't have to
Installing a Non-Server OS to a Dell Poweredge 2850