Windows OS Installation on many servers 1

[Bhavin78]

I like to do testing with new software like windows 2003, R2, Virutal server r2, isa server, exchange etc.
but for all this it takes me lot of time to develop test environment.

I am looking to do it smart way if some one can help me.

I have three PC's with different configuration. what I do to install windows 2003 r2 OS on each pc with minimum effort (" I cannot create image as all pc have different configuration as far as hardware goes")

I also have question on virtual server 2005 R2 Lets say windows xp is my host OS and I created VM as windows server 2003 r2. How can I use the same Virtual Machine to create another virtual machine

 

[karmic]

You should create an image for each server and store them on a hard drive somewhere. It's the easiest way.

~ K.I.S.S - Don't make it any more complex than it has to be ~

 

[Bhavin78]

I just want to install it once on one server and some how use copy of that image on other server with different hardware and configuration. Also want to use same image for crearting Virtual PC.

Solution you provided requires installation atleast once and than make a copy of image. Think if I have 100's of pc or server. This would not be a good solution.

I know sysprep will do this but I am not 100% sure how, I need some help on this or other option.

 

[58sniper]

Remote Installation Services is probably the best way. Of course, you'll need licensing for each machine (as you would using any method)

should be the same in 2003 as 2000:

How To Set Up and Configure Remote Installation Services in Windows 2000

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/298750

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

 

[Bhavin78]

Can you also help me with Sysprep on how to make image and use it on other server and virtual pc's. I would really like to try this.

What I do after I run sysprep.exe?
I tried this , I ran sysprep.exe and it restarted my computer and everytime I restart it comes up with sysprep dialog box with different option.

 

[58sniper]

After you sysprep a machine is when you should image it using something like Ghost. You do that after it shuts down, and before it starts back up.

When you then image a new machine, the OS will walk you through assigning a machine name, etc. This helps prevent duplicate SIDs.

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

 

[markdmac]

You really can't use a sysprep'ed image in Virtual Server. You would need to do an install manually first in VS then you can sysprep that image.

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Creating-Sysprep-Image-Library-Virtual-PC.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302577

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

 

[Bhavin78]

What option I use in sysprep (factory, reseal etc)?
After I run this I need to shut down and than create a copy of image in DOS mode with out going to Windows?

I need to take this image and put it on any PC or server and it should find all hardware and drivers or will I have any error.

thanks for quick reply

 

[markdmac]

Again! You need to seperate your Virtual Machines and your the images that would go on physical hardware.

For the VMs you should be looking at using a differential disk (dd). This is a file that lets multiple virtual servers use the same reference VHD. The dd will store the changes thus reducing the needed hard drive space. This is where MS beats VMWare, where VM beats MS with memory management.

Read throught he references I posted and don't use any of the optional switches.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

 

[58sniper]

Worth a star!

Pat Richard, MCSE(2) MCSA:Messaging, CNA(2)

 

[Bhavin78]

I HAVE A SERVER WITH TWO HARD DRIVE HD1 AND HD2.
THIS IS WHAT I TRIED
INSTALLED FRESH COPY OF SERVER 2003 R2 ON HD1
AND THAN RAN SYSPREP.EXE -MINI AND SELECTED FACTORY OPTION
SERVER WAS SHUT DOWN.

NOW I USED GHOST DISK TO BOOT COMPUTER TO GHOST AND SELECTED DISK TO DISK OPTION TO COPY HD1 TO HD2.

NOW WHEN MY COMPUTER WITH HD1 BOOTS IT ALWASY OPEN SYSPREP.EXE AT STARTUP,WHY?

I TRIED TO PUT HD2 ON OTHER COMPUTER AND IT'S RESTARTING BY ITSELF OVER AND OVER. IT DOES GO TO WINDOWS.
WHAT DID I DO WRONG HERE?