Gregory Storme

Windows Server 2008 Server Virtualization

As of Windows Server 2008 RC0, it’s possible to install Windows Server Virtualization as a server role.
Be sure to check if hardware virtualization is enabled in the BIOS.
Before this role appears in server manager, you need to install 2 update packs:

C:\Windows\wsv\Windows6.0-KB939853-x64.exe
C:\Windows\wsv\Windows6.0-KB939854-x64.exe

After installing these updates, you will be able to select WSV from the available roles in server manager, a reboot is necessary after installation.

After the reboot you will be able to launch the Virtualization Management Console from the Administrive Tools menu.
You will see this interface:

The next steps to create a new virtual machine
Specify a name for the new virtual machine:

Specify the amount of memory for the new virtual machine:

Assign a network adapter:

Assign a new virtual hard disk and specify the size and location:

Choose to install from a bootable cd/dvd-rom, an image file, or from network:

After receiving a summary of the new virtual machine, you’ll see the following screen after the machine was started:

As a test I installed a Windows Server 2003 SP2 from cd-rom:

Like the VMWare Tools on VMWare, WSV offers Integration Services or “Microsoft Virtualization Guest Components” for video/mouse/network/… support on the virtual machines:

After installing the components you’ll need to reboot.