In the previous section, we learned how to create the initial lab environment. In this section, we will install an operating system on the Virtual Machines.
Part 2 Installation of Operating Systems on VMs
Populating the VMware datastore
Load your operating system ISOS. In this case, I will be adding System Center Configuration Manager 2012, SQL Server, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7 and Windows 8 ISO. To make management easier, organize a folder on your computer and separate each ISO into its own folder. You will use each iso you load into the VMware VMware datastore. Go to the configuration tab, storage, and right-click to select browse datastore.
We will install the base operating systems for the Virtual Machine DC1.
Log on to vSphere Client. Select the DC1 VM and select edit virtual machine settings.
Operating System Configuration
Now you can boot the Virtual Machine, You can either select the green arrow at the top left of the screen or select power on the virtual machine on the right-hand column. Select Console to proceed with the installation. You will be greeted with the Server 2012 splash screen. Select Next to Continue.
Licensing
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) as the drive has not yet been formatted.
We can define extra partitions for performance. We have no extra partitions so select Next. This is the last step in the Server 2012 install and the installation will begin after.
The installation may take some time depending on your hardware, and your resources. The installation is not yet complete.
You will receive a prompt to set a default password. It might be a good idea to write this password down, as you will use it every time you login to this Server. Once you have typed in your new password twice, select Finish.
Now login to the server. Since I am using VMware I need to use the combination CTRL+ALT+INSERT as CTRL+ALT+DELETE will only send that command to my host machine. Now type in your new password and select the blue icon to login.
You will be presented with your new environment. Server Manager will load and ask to add any roles or features. Select the document icon at the bottom of the screen.
On the black arrow next to libraries, select Control Panel.Now select System and Security.
Select System, and look at the computer name.
Since I am using an unconfigured ISO of server 2012 it generated a unique name. I will change the computer name to something I can use (such as DC1 to match the VM’s name).
You will want to select change settings on this dialog box. Select Change.
On computer name enter DC1. Select OK to apply.You will receive a prompt that lets you know a reboot needs to happen in order to make the change. Select Ok on this dialog box as well.
Now select close on the previous box, and you will be prompted with the reboot box.
Select Restart Now.
Once the server comes back up it will now be named DC1. Log into the server, and go to the the Control panel, select System and Security, System, Remote Settings, and select Allow remote connection to this computer. This will immediately generate a prompt.
Click OK to close this prompt. You can now manage the server using Remote Desktop. Click Apply and select Close.
This concludes building the first Virtual Machine. Repeat the previous steps to build and later rename the server ConfigMgr, and also allow yourself the ability to remotely connect to it.
On to Part 3 – Installation of Active Directory Domain Services.