How to Install a Guest Operating System in a Virtual Machine on Virtual Server 2005

Virtual Server 2005 runs on Windows Server 2003 and 2008. It can run multiple virtual machines simultaneously, allowing you to make full use of the resources in a cluster or multiple CPU server. The following operating systems are supported as guests in a virtual machine: Windows NT SP6a, XP SP2, Vista, Windows Small Business Server 2003, Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003/2008, Redhat Enterprise Linux 2.1 to 5.0, Rehat Linux 9.0, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9.0/10.0 and SSE Linux 9.3 to 10.2.

Instructions

1. Open the web administration interface for Virtual Server 2005.

2. Click "Add" in the "Virtual Machines" section on the left side of the window.

3. Click the "Create the new virtual machine with a blank virtual hard disk" option and click "Next."

4. Enter a name and description for the virtual machine.

5. Click the "New Blank" option in the hard drive section to attach a blank virtual hard disk.

6. Click the physical CD/DVD drive you will use to install the operating system. You may use the default options for the remaining configuration or customize it as needed, then click "Create."

7. Insert the installation disc and start the virtual machine using the "Virtual Machine" menu. Install the operating system as you would on a physical computer and reboot. The virtual machine is now configured.

References

• Microsoft: Virtual Server 2005 Frequently Asked Questions
• Microsoft Technet: Setting Up Multiple Virtual Machines in Virtual Server