Step-By-Step: Building Your Own Lab on Windows Server 2012

A frequent question asked at every #CANITPRO Camp I have attended has been how one would setup their own lab.  This process is easy to do and will provide you a tool to try out many of the Step-By-Step posts listed here on the #CANITPRO blog.  To setup your Windows Server 2012 lab machine be sure to keep the following PC requirements in mind:  

• Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 as installed OS
• 64-bit capable hardware (x64)
• Intel-VT or AMD-V support in firmware
• Hardware-assisted memory protection in firmware (XD)
• At least 4GB total RAM
• At least 60GB free space on HDD
• Full Administrator Rights to existing PC OS
• No disk encryption or pre-boot authentication
  
  

Setting Up Your Lab

NOTE: This process installs Windows Server 2012 in a dual-boot scenario using Boot-to-VHD
features in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.  While this process is
not intended to disrupt your existing OS installation, these steps are for use
at your own risk.  No support or warranties are implied or provided.

1. Backup your existing PC operating system before beginning this process.  While this process is not intended to disrupt the existing OS installation on your PC, performing a backup before any system upgrades or installation is recommended as a precaution.
   
2. Download the Windows Server 2012 installation bits in VHD format
   
3. Extract the downloaded VHD file by running the compressed .EXE file.
         
4. Copy the Extracted VHD file to C:\BootVHD\Server2012.vhd
         
5. Mount the copied VHD file as a virtual Drive Letter
   

• Right-click on the "Command Prompt" shortcut and select "Run as Administrator"
  
• Run "DISKPART.EXE" from the Command Prompt
  
• At the "DISKPART>" prompt type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  
             SELECT VDISK FILE="C:\BootVHD\Server2012.vhd"
  
             ATTACH VDISK
  
             EXIT
  
        

• Right-click on the "Command Prompt" shortcut and select "Run as Administrator"
  
• Run "BCDBOOT <mounted_drive_letter>:\WINDOWS" from the Command Prompt
  
        

For those who have attended a #CANITPRO camp, you've noticed that we currently use Dell Vostro or Dimension notebooks for all labs.  This is optimal if you plan to learning as you travel but is not necessary. Alternatively, you could have a chance in winning your lab computer by participating in free Microsoft offered Virtual Academy.  To have a chance to win anHPEliteBook Revolve and two chances to win400 Microsoft Points enter here.  Complete two TechNet evaluations, and take the selected Microsoft Virtual Academy courses for your chance at a $5,000 grand prize.