Windows 2008 Server
s prerequisite will explain how to set up a base install of Windows 2008 Server. The requirements for this will be:
- Any Virtual Machine software such as VMWare Server, Fusion, or VirtualBox
- Windows 2008 Server Eval ISO available here
The Eval ISO can be run for 60 days, however, you can reset the trial period 3 times for a total of 240 days. Instructions on resetting the trial period can be found here.
Please have your virtual machine configured and ready to boot from the ISO before proceeding. This won't be covered as it's different for all VM software.
Installation
Once the virtual machine has booted, choose your locale settings.
Next, click the Install Now link.
Do not enter a Product Key and make sure Automatically Activate... is not checked.
Click No to confirm a blank product key.
Choose Windows 2008 Standard (Full Installation) unless otherwise specified in another article. Check the box for I have selected...
Accept the license terms.
Choose a Custom Install.
Choose the virtual hard drive you configured earlier.
Wait for the install to finish.
Change your password when prompted.
Log in.
Click OK.
Close the Initial Configuration Tasks window.
Click Change System Properties in the Server Manager window.
Under the Computer Name tab, click the Change button.
The current computer name is randomly generated by the install. Change it to something more meaningful.
Confirm any changes and restart the computer.
Configure Network Settings
By default, DHCP is used to configure the network settings. Change this to static.
First, click on View Network Connections in the Server Manager.
Right click on the Network Adapter and choose Properties.
Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP) and click on Properties.
Configure the static settings to be relevant for your network.
Close all windows and confirm any changes.
Conclusion
This article quickly described how to create a standard Windows 2008 Server install using the Evaluation ISO from Microsoft.