Windows Server 2008 Installation

Hello Guys,

This is a great forum and I'm really glad to be a part of it. So far, I've just been just reading posts but never really posted but I thought it's time I did since I need some guidance.

I'm a Technical Analyst so I'm pretty technical. However, I've never worked with Windows Server 2008. In other words, I have done my MCSE and know how to work around Windows Server 2003.

I might sound dumb but I have to ask this question. I'm running Windows 7 Build 7100 RC x64 as my main OS. I have a powerful laptop so I'm not worried about the requirements. I also have tons of important data on this laptop so it's important that I do not erase any data while installing Server 2008.

My question to you guys is -

How do I install Windows Server 2008?

1) Dual Boot (i.e. Create a partition and install it on that)

2) Virtualize (Install Vmware Server or use Microsoft Virtual PC)

The reason why I want to install Windows Server 2008 is because I want to test it out, play around with it and learn more as I plan to be a Network Administrator so this is my first time pretty much building or installing a server.

On the other hand, I downloaded VMware Server but unfortunately, I'm unable to install it as I keep getting the following error.

- Setup cannot continue. The Microsoft runtime DLL installer failed to complete installation.


Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

- lukybandit

My preference with multi-booting any OSs is to only install one OS per harddrive, with all other harddrives disconnected during the installation. This permits using the F8 boot menu as a means of selecting the OS to boot to. I have tried a number of boot loader programs, and every one of them caused problems, and when a boot loader goes wrong, it can effect all OSs, not just one.

I have heard alot of people that were happy with VMWare, and it may be just fine...I don't know, because I have never used it. The only way that I might, is if I had insufficient harddrives to handle the load.