Virtualization recommendation ??

[whs]

Before they close the door on the cheap offerings the end of the month, I wasted $40 and got a Windows 8 .iso and key. I want to install it in a virtual system - just to keep up with you guys,

In the past I have always used Virtual Box which served me well. But recently I had a lot of problems with the networking in the host system because vBox always seemed to monopolize the IP address.

So I am looking for the best alternative. My system has an i7, 8GB of RAM and a SSD that is half empty. So there should not be any problem from the hardware side. What is important to me is that I can run the virtual system and the host seemlessly side by side.

If you are running Windows 8 in virtual, let me know what you recommend.

 

[mitchell65]

I did the same as you and have been unable to install 8 on the VM box. I read somewhee that I need to "tell" VM to allow 64bit but can't yet see how to do this. I have already installed Windows XP 32 bit .

 

[Brink]

Hello Wolfgang,

I've been running a copy of Windows 8 in VMware Player for a while now, and it's been running great in it so far.

VMware Player - Install Windows 8

 

[whs]

Thanks Shawn. Great tutorial as usual. I'll try that.

Question: Does that run seemlessly - meaning that I can switch between Win7 and Win8 with 1 click ??

 

[Brink]

Yep, it's just like having another window open. I can copy and paste between them as well.

 

[whs]

That sounds good, thanks.

 

[Brink]

Anytime mate.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there

@ Brink -- a lot of people don't know this but you CAN run 64 bit GUESTS from a 32 Bit HOST subject to a couple of restrictions -- I'm sure this is useful for people who would like to try the 64 bit version even if they are currently using 32 bit Hosts.


so long as VT is enabled in your BIOS (INTEL) or equiv in AMD then you can run a 64 bit Guest in VMware. These days this is usually enabled by default or is standard in the CPU anyway.

If you don't have the VT feature or it doesn't exist (Older CPU's) you can still ALWAYS run a 32 bit guest.

Incidentally contrary to what people think you CAN run a 64 bit guest in a 32 bit host -- so long as

a) The VT feature is enabled, and

b) HOST + GUEST total RAM is <= 4GB.

This is a great feature for people currently running 32 bit OS'es and who want to try out the 64 bit versions before committing themselves. (Note of course your machine must be 64 bit capable in any case).

Here's my W8 Pro x-64 VM being run from a 32 bit W2003 Server ( approx. equiv to XP as far as the HOST OS is concerned).

Cheers
jimbo

 

[strollin]

I use VBox in a corporate setting with no problems of it "monopolizing the IP address". I've also used VMWare Player but it doesn't have all the features of VBox such as the ability to take snapshots.

 

[whs]

If you mean snips or screenshots with 'snapshots', then you can take those with the host programs.

 

[strollin]

Not screen shots, a "snapshot" of the system itself so you can restore your VM back to the state it was in when the snapshot was taken.

 

[whs]

OK, I see. I use Macrium for that. Just make an image. But ususlly I image the host and guest together.

 

[strollin]

In my work, I may need to install "iffy" pre-alpha software that could mess up the system so it's nice to take a snapshot of the VM before installing the software, that way I can revert back easily if the software causes problems. Taking a snapshot of the VM is far more efficient than doing a complete system image.

 

[mitchell65]

Okay I have now succeeded in installing Windows 8 from an upgrade into Oracle VM Box. I had similar problems to WHS to start with but then discovered that instead of the usual way of installing Win 7 then useing the Win 8 upgarde ISO to install Win 8 I found you need to open the ISO go to "Sources" then double click the setup.exe file in that folder. Don't ask me why but it works perfectly. I did have a bit of a problem getting the virtual Win 8 and WinXP that was installed in VM earlier, to recognise my USB items. This needed downloading and installing the VM Box Extension Pack and then designating the various USB connections in the USB filters section. Now all is fine and tickerty boo. If only I could work out how to shut Win 8 down I would rest easy

 

[strollin]

The easiest way to shutdown in Win 8 is to press Alt-F4 from the desktop.

 

[mitchell65]

The easiest way to shutdown in Win 8 is to press Alt-F4 from the desktop.

Thanks Bruce, my remark was just a cheap jibe at MS for making the shutdown so difficult to find. I only want an instance of Win 8 on my PC so that I will have some idea of what my new members are talking about when they ask about their new (or sometimes first) PC. I run a club for local people, usually of the older generation (like me) who are just starting out in computing! They are bound to ask why it is so complex just to turn the thing off. I fear that many will just press and hold the button on the front of the Case to turn off! Why oh why did MS not just put a tile on the start page? I daresay one can be created, I'll have a look at that later. For my part I'm staying with Win 7

EDIT: Okay have found a tut for creating Shut Down on Start screen but imagine sending this link to a real newbie who is struggling to send an email or similar "simple" task?

 

[whs]

I use WIN+I to get to the power/shutdown button.

 

[mitchell65]

I use WIN+I to get to the power/shutdown button.

True that is another way but that just takes you to Settings, it's another click to go on the Power button then to choose shut down. Win 8 is said to be faster than 7, this makes a fundamental function slow in my view!

 

[whs]

Yeah, but one extra click is not the world. I can live with that. WIN+I is better than the charms - especially in a virtual machine where the corners are not the real corners of the screen and hitting those corners is a bit finagle.

 

[mjf]

Wolfgang,
I was thinking of running Win 8 in VMware player but apparently MS don't sell W8 retail in Australia, only upgrades Is this a plot to rid the planet of Windows 7?